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Gael Monfils is never shy in entertaining tennis fans. PHILIPPE DESMAZES/AFP/AFP/Getty Images/file
His exciting shots often have crowds on their feet. Michael Dodge/Getty Images AsiaPac/Getty Images
They include the "tweener" -- or shot between the legs. Clive Brunskill/Getty Images Europe/Getty Images
The Frenchman also isn't adverse to hitting shots with both feet well off the ground. Ian Walton/Getty Images Europe/Getty Images
He can crunch shots from the baseline, including with his forehand. Matthias Hangst/Bongarts/Bongarts/Getty Images
The easygoing Monfils is seemingly always smiling. Minas Panagiotakis/Getty Images
Monfils is known for his counterpunching style and flinging his body all over the court. ADRIAN DENNIS/AFP/AFP/Getty Images
This all-action style doesn't come without risks. WILLIAM WEST/AFP/AFP/Getty Images
It has inevitably led to injuries, while he has failed to translate his success in the junior ranks to the pro circuit. Al Bello/Getty Images North America/Getty Images
His best performance at a grand slam is reaching the semifinals of the 2008 French Open, where he lost to Roger Federer. PATRICK KOVARIK/AFP/AFP/Getty Images
Nonethless, the 28-year-old Monfils is convinced he can win a maiden major. He has beaten 17-time grand slam champion Federer four times, including last year in the Davis Cup final. PHILIPPE HUGUEN/AFP/AFP/Getty Images
Monfils held a two-set lead over Federer at last year's U.S. Open before the Swiss rallied to win their quarterfinal. Julian Finney/Getty Images
Monfils says he loves playing in New York, especially on Arthur Ashe stadium under the lights. Julian Finney/Getty Images North America/Getty Images
The last of Monfils' five titles came last year in France. PASCAL GUYOT/AFP/AFP/Getty Images
