‘Almost ready for the US Open!’: David de Gea leaves his Man United team-mates in awe during a game of tennis with a superb drop shot from the net… and Sir Andy Murray even jokes he’d be his doubles partner!
- David de Gea’s lightning-fast reflexes came in handy during a game of tennis
- Facing some Manchester United team-mates, De Gea pulled off a fine drop shot
- Juan Mata and Andreas Pereira were left in disbelief after the moment of magic
- Sir Andy Murray said he would be De Gea’s doubles partner after seeing the clip
Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea has proven he’s also a dab hand at tennis after pulling off a sublime drop shot that left his team-mates stunned.
A number of United players enjoyed a game as they look to build up their fitness for the new season, but it was De Gea’s moment of brilliance that stole the show.
In a video shared on the stopper’s social media pages, De Gea returned a cross-court shot from Juan Mata with a stunning, deft backhand which drifted just over the net.
David de Gea showed off his lightning-fast reactions with a fine drop shot in a game of tennis
Andreas Pereira, who was partnered up with Mata, tried his utmost to reach the ball as it dropped, but in the end was simply left grasping at thin air.
Nonchalantly, De Gea then threw his racket onto the floor, while Mata watched on in his disbelief at his compatriot, with his hands on his head.
Pereira was similarly in awe, and could be seen jokingly throwing his arm down in frustration as he made his way back from the net.
De Gea left his Manchester United team-mates stunned after his shot drifted just over the net
It is of little surprise that De Gea is just at skilled at tennis, with the 30-year-old famed for his lightning-fast reflexes and hand-eye co-ordination.
All of these attributes were on show during the split second of magic, and De Gea couldn’t resist comically revealing that he is ‘almost ready for the US Open.’
Tagging the ATP Tour’s official account on Twitter, he then added: ‘Do you think I’m on time to get a wild card?’
He may end up missing out on that luxury, but his highlight has attracted the attention from an all-time tennis great – Sir Andy Murray.
Juan Mata (bottom right) was in disbelief and Andreas Pereira (bottom left) was lost for words
Sir Andy Murray has replied to the footage from De Gea and joked about a doubles partnership
Replying to De Gea’s tweet, Murray said: ‘If you need a doubles partner I’m in.’
The prospect of two of the biggest names in sport linking up is certainly an enticing one, but both men are currently focused on achieving success over the next year.
Murray made a winning return to action after his withdrawal from the singles at the Olympics with a 6-4 6-4 victory over Richard Gasquet in Cincinnati.
Murray returned to action in Cincinnati after withdrawing from the Tokyo singles tournament
Having struggled with a thigh strain in Tokyo, Murray dropped out to focus on the doubles with Joe Salisbury, and has more recently impressed in the United States.
He sent down 14 aces, including 10 in the first set alone, and finished with 38 winners to mark a flying start at the competition.
De Gea, meanwhile, has insisted that he has ‘a lot of years ahead’ at United, laying down the gauntlet to Dean Henderson in the process.
De Gea started between the sticks for United in the 5-1 win over Leeds that started their season
‘It’s been a lot of years at the club and a great source of pride for me to have been able to play for a club like Manchester United for so many seasons now,’ De Gea said.
‘But you have to live in the present, I think I still have a lot of years ahead of me at the club, I’m excited about that, feeling strong and I’m very keen to do well.
‘I feel great in myself, high in confidence and I think it should be – and has to be – an important season for all of us.’
