Shot of the year, No. 2: Monfils shows off new trick

With the end-of-the-year closing down, Baseline and Tennis Channel take a look at the Top 5 Shots of the Year.

2

Gael Monfils

A human highlight reel, Monfils is a regular when it comes to delivering hot shot material. He took his tricks to a new level in the second round of the Madrid Open against Marton Fucsovics after delivering an incredible display of athleticism.

Brought into the net by the Hungarian's drop shot, Monfils pushed his reply up the line. Fucsovics did well to block a backhand volley lob, but what came next caused the intimate court to erupt with a standing ovation. Running backwards, one might have suspected the Frenchman would go for a tweener. Instead, with his back to the net, Monfils leaped, turned his body while catching some serious airtime, before unleashing a rocket forehand winner down the line. It was sensational and completely on brand for Monfils.