Review: Plenty to be excited about in TopSpin 2K25, which successfully recreates the joy (and frustration) of tennis

NEW YORK—The first day of the US Open was a hot day in the 90s, but that was the least of Gael Monfils’ problems on Monday. Or pleasures, depending on your perspective.

Monfils took to the court against Gilles Muller, and the match went inconspicuously enough in the Frenchman's favor, 6-4, 6-2, 7-6 (5). But what the score does not indicate is the trove of blooper-reel moments.

A lot has been made of the renovations and improvements to the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, but it's unlikely anyone had this scenario in mind:

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.@Gael_Monfils is battling multiple opponents on the court today. #usopen pic.twitter.com/wO6Sr3Jc7t
— US Open Tennis (@usopen) August 29, 2016

While Monfils escaped from the collision unharmed, the clock was not so lucky:

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Monfils did stop the clock out on 17 (EPA) pic.twitter.com/h6VD1rcjuQ
— Joe Fleming (@ByJoeFleming) August 29, 2016

The tournament full-heartedly embraced the incident:

Moment of the tournament? @Gael_Monfils left his mark on Court 17 during his 6-4, 6-2, 7-6 win over Muller. #usopen pic.twitter.com/O49pFqpmel
— US Open Tennis (@usopen) August 29, 2016

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A full crowd knew they would get some entertainment from the high-flying Frenchman, but it's unlikely anyone could have predicted such theatrics in a routine first-rounder.

Packed house on 17 to see Monfils vs. Muller. No surprise there. #USOpen pic.twitter.com/Jx9OsLB467
— Blair Henley (@BlairHenley) August 29, 2016

Surviving the murderous time keeper wasn't Monfils' only obstacle. He also rolled out of this dangerous scenario like James Bond himself:

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#Monfils pic.twitter.com/xgM9vCIfZQ
— doublefault28 (@doublefault28) August 29, 2016

Monfils next takes on the winner of qualifier Jan Satral and wildcard Mackenzie McDonald.

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