Spoiler:
World No. 6 routinely acknowledges the help from ball kids
A point of the finger, a nod of the head, or simply requesting “towel” are the common interactions between elite tennis players and ball kids.
Gregarious World No. 6 Gael Monfils is aware that the ball kids are a vital component of the smooth transition between points. The Frenchman has always made a conscious decision throughout his professional career to specifically say “Thank you” (not just a casual 'Thanks') each time he goes to towel.
“I think I do it every time, It’s normal to me; I’ve been doing it for years,” states Monfils, who maintains that his family installed manners into his flamboyant match persona. “I’ve been raised like this, they give you the towel or a ball and I just naturally say ‘Thank you’”.
The 30-year-old is renowned for his pace and athleticism. But does he think he could keep pace with the demands of the job? “I was never a ball kid, but yeah for sure I could try.”
However, Monfils, back in action at the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals on Thursday to take on defending champion Novak Djokovic, hopes his colleagues on court appreciate the endeavour of the ball kids. “People think being a ball kid is easy but it is difficult because all they have to do in a match, all the running, all the concentration, it’s tough,” insisted Monfils. “Most of the tournaments they do it well and this is something that players should be more thankful about.”
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The sixth seed at the O2 arena is adamant that he plays the game to have fun. He regularly draws gasps from an absorbed crowd with his explosive brand of tennis, but whether he hits a difficult time on the court or is strolling towards victory, Monfils is frequently tempted to share a quick exchange with the ball kids. “Yeah, it’s happened once or twice before, sometimes if I feel like it I might have a quick chat.”
Despite two round-robin defeats on debut at the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals, Monfils has relished the occasion of featuring in the season finale.
“Hopefully I can bring my game (facing Djokovic). It’s been great for my first time in the O2 arena, it’s a beautiful stadium, and the atmosphere is very good,” stated Monfils. “I couldn’t expect much more from the experience, so I’m very happy I’ve been here.”
A point of the finger, a nod of the head, or simply requesting “towel” are the common interactions between elite tennis players and ball kids.
Gregarious World No. 6 Gael Monfils is aware that the ball kids are a vital component of the smooth transition between points. The Frenchman has always made a conscious decision throughout his professional career to specifically say “Thank you” (not just a casual 'Thanks') each time he goes to towel.
“I think I do it every time, It’s normal to me; I’ve been doing it for years,” states Monfils, who maintains that his family installed manners into his flamboyant match persona. “I’ve been raised like this, they give you the towel or a ball and I just naturally say ‘Thank you’”.
The 30-year-old is renowned for his pace and athleticism. But does he think he could keep pace with the demands of the job? “I was never a ball kid, but yeah for sure I could try.”
However, Monfils, back in action at the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals on Thursday to take on defending champion Novak Djokovic, hopes his colleagues on court appreciate the endeavour of the ball kids. “People think being a ball kid is easy but it is difficult because all they have to do in a match, all the running, all the concentration, it’s tough,” insisted Monfils. “Most of the tournaments they do it well and this is something that players should be more thankful about.”
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Player Blog: Thiem Unveils Player Gifts
The sixth seed at the O2 arena is adamant that he plays the game to have fun. He regularly draws gasps from an absorbed crowd with his explosive brand of tennis, but whether he hits a difficult time on the court or is strolling towards victory, Monfils is frequently tempted to share a quick exchange with the ball kids. “Yeah, it’s happened once or twice before, sometimes if I feel like it I might have a quick chat.”
Despite two round-robin defeats on debut at the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals, Monfils has relished the occasion of featuring in the season finale.
“Hopefully I can bring my game (facing Djokovic). It’s been great for my first time in the O2 arena, it’s a beautiful stadium, and the atmosphere is very good,” stated Monfils. “I couldn’t expect much more from the experience, so I’m very happy I’ve been here.”
), to nie ma co bez sensu się znęcać nad samym sobą.
