Andy Murray & Gael Monfils build their 'perfect player', Novak Djokovic the only Big 3 member to appear on both lists
Andy Murray and Gael Monfils recently came together to construct the perfect player, by combining the best weapons on the tour into one unified ideal. The duo picked qualities from active players who they felt were the best in that department, and Novak Djokovic turned out to be the only member of the Big 3 who found his way into both of their lists.
The Serb was also the player who had his name appear the most often in their lists.
Murray and Monfils discussed this topic in the latest episode of the Frenchman’s newly launched Twitch channel, where the Brit is a collaborator.
The attributes and shots that the duo considered while building their perfect player were as follows: service, backhand, forehand, return, volley, drop shot, lob, and speed.
Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer feature in Andy Murray’s 'perfect player' attributes
The Brit began building his perfect player by choosing Nick Kyrgios’ serve, which is hardly surprising given the Australian’s phenomenally powerful delivery.
Novak Djokovic’s backhand was the next shot picked by the Brit. Arguably the best two-hander in the business right now, Djokovic's backhand may not have Dominic Thiem’s power but it more than makes up for that with its inch-perfect accuracy.
Andy Murray then chose Rafael Nadal for the forehand of his perfect player. The Spaniard’s lefty forehand is incredibly tough to deal with all year round, given its immense topspin and racquet-head speed.
Novak Djokovic returned to Murray’s list again, this time for his returning ability. Widely regarded as the best returner of all time, this was possibly the easiest pick for the Brit.
Swiss legend Roger Federer made his solitary appearance in the two lists for Murray. The Brit said that he would like Federer’s magnificent volley in his perfect player.
Known for his deft touch at the net, Roger Federer is one of the finest volleyers of all time on both wings.
Murray rounded off his list by picking Fabio Fognini’s drop shot, Gael Monfils’ speed, and his own lob.
Novak Djokovic the only member of the Big 3 to find his way into Gael Monfils' list
Gael Monfils agreed with Murray’s choices in the serve, return, lob and speed departments; Nick Kyrgios, Novak Djokovic, Andy Murray, and Monfils himself took those four spots.
However, the Frenchman did not go for any of Roger Federer's or Rafael Nadal’s shots. Instead, he picked Kei Nishikori’s backhand and Juan Martin del Potro’s forehand for the two most prominent groundstrokes.
For the volley and drop shot, Monfils went with his compatriots Nicolas Mahut and Benoit Paire.