Gael Monfils warned for ‘lack of effort’ after refusing to return serve

Gael Monfils was handed a warning for an absence of effort in a weird incident on the Citi Open. The Frenchman was main the second set 5-3 when he opted to utterly ignore Alexander Bublik’s serve. 

Bublik was serving to make the second set 5-4 in Monfils’ favour within the best-of-three match. And Monfils knew he would have the chance to serve for the match within the subsequent sport. 

So the 36-year-old determined to protect his vitality as Bublik served. The Khazakstani’s smooth serve earned him an ace, with Monfils strolling slowly in direction of his chair. 

“He’s not enthusiastic about that one, both!” mentioned the co-commentator. The essential commentator elaborated: “He’s already walking to his bench.”

The umpire might be heard handing Monfils a warning, leaving Bublik in stitches as he noticed the humorous aspect of the encounter. The umpire was additionally amused by the incident as he defined why he needed to warn the previous World No 6. 

Incredibly, Monfils began to argue his case to the umpire. It baffled the commentators, who had been left shocked by the participant’s behaviour. 

The added: “Well, I think that’s a fair call, isn’t it? Yes, you’re thinking about the next game to serve it out but you can’t really do that. Bublik found it funny! I’m just wondering what his argument is.” 

Monfils efficiently served out the set and match, avoiding an embarrassing state of affairs. He is thru to the last-16 of the event.