Hot Shot of the Month: Dimitrov's dazzling flick from the floor earns him March award

Grigor Dimitrov has won March’s Hot Shot of the Month, claiming the fan-voted award with a ridiculous forehand flick from the floor at the BNP Paribas Open.

Anytime Dimitrov and Gael Monfils meet, fans are treated to a dazzling display of creativity and shotmaking, and their clash in Indian Wells was no different. The Bulgarian claimed the monthly honour with his quick reaction and improvisation, turning a defensive scramble into a highlight-reel winner.

“Hi dear fans, I just found out that I won the shot of March and I’m very thrilled," Dimitrov said after his Wednesday victory at the Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters. "Thank you all for voting. I hope I can keep on doing and delivering shots like that, so let play begin.”

A special message from the winner 🥇 @GrigorDimitrov | #ATPHotShotOfTheMonth pic.twitter.com/UZLjfcz3RY

— ATP Tour (@atptour) April 10, 2025

Leading Monfils by a set, Dimitrov chased down a deft drop shot from the Frenchman and came to a screeching stop as he carved a wicked angle — a hot shot in its own right. But the 38-year-old Monfils, still as fast as ever, hustled forward and redirected the ball back to the middle of court.

Dimitrov, now racing towards the baseline, stopped on a dime and lunged forward, flicking his racquet at the ball in a desperate reach, somehow managing to make it back over the net. The crowd erupted in disbelief, and even Monfils cracked a smile and gave a thumbs-up, admiring the 33-year-old’s shot. Dimitrov gave a thumps-up of his own while still on the ground.

The No. 18 player in the PIF ATP Rankings, Dimitrov went on to win the three-hour, one-minute battle against Monfils 7-6(4), 4-6, 7-6(2). He fell to Carlos Alcaraz in the next round.

Whose jaw-dropping shot will take centre stage next on the ATP Tour? Stay tuned for more Hot Shot of the Month contenders as the season unfolds.