For Gael Monfils’ next U.S. Open trick, playing in the pouring rain

NEW YORK—Gael Monfils doesn’t need to be playing a match to make news on the tennis court, or even have passable weather.

Thursday marked the first day in which rain pelted Flushing Meadows, leaving Andy Murray’s match against Marcel Granollers inside the covered Arthur Ashe Stadium the only one going. As fans took cover from the elements, players fled the courts—except for Monsieur Monfils, who saw no reason to end his practice early:

He also found the conditions suitable to play a game of accuracy with his team—bocce, anyone? In any event, the Frenchman ended his wet session by dousing his team with more water, which he kicked off of the soaking hard courts:

It wasn’t a day for Monfils’ signature sliding and jumping shotmaking, but you can’t say he didn’t make the most of it.