What an athlete! Watch flying Frenchman Monfils' airborne drama

Flying Frenchman Gael Monfils became a bigger internet sensation on Friday after a spectacular diving attempt to reach a ball at Roland Garros.

Facing Germany’s Jan-Lennard Struff for a third round berth, Monfils leapt to his right in a brave but fruitless effort to retrieve a return.

Monfils was airborne and parallel with the ground on the Philippe Chatrier court as his body, racquet and ball went flying.

“It was not a great dive, you know. I think it was 5 out of 10,” joked the 27-year-old.

“Between you and me, I’m not stupid because when you dive, it’s hard ground on the floor.

“I’m not Iron Man. So I’m happy people like it, but I’m not doing that to show off,” said Monfils, who won the match.

He also showed his acrobatic dancing skills  last Saturday, taking on fellow Frenchman Laurent Lokoli in an unusual court battle. That video has garnered more than 2 million hits.

Source: YouTube