There is someone more athletic with perhaps a little more desire. He is from France as well. Just made it to the fourth round of the French. Gael Monfils is the name. Tennis with supreme athleticism is the game.

On Wednesday, Monfils lost to Roger Federer in three after beating Andy Roddick, also in three. He was playing with an injured knee and almost didn't enter the Tournament.

Monfils is as athletic as they come with a defensive two handed backhand never seen before in tennis. His 6-foot-4, 180-pound frame could be suited for many sports, but tennis the the one that the 22-year-old Monfils chose and it was a mighty good choice.

He had a full country behind him against Roddick on the red clay at Roland Garros. His match went beyond 9:30 pm local time, but only Roddick complained about the conditions.

That country was not as firmly behind him against Federer. But who roots against Federer? Even Tiger Woods sat in his box in New York and rooted for him against Roddick a few years back.

Monfils played singles and doubles until recently,but with his injured body and poor doubles record he is sticking to singles. Good choice. He has been a fixture in the fourth round of majors for the past year or so.

When Monfils is on, few can stop him. Federer was a machine in his quest to win his 14th major and still had a set point against him in an inspired first set against the Swiss master.

Look for Monfils to break through next year and pick up a major.

He has the talent. He has the desire.