"It's not my sport, but I know in one sport I'm No. 1 in the world," said the 6-foot-3-inch Monfils, who entertained the crowd with some impromptu dance moves and celebrated by standing on his head.

Monfils upset Freedman in the first round of the event en route to the title.

"Speaking as the game's No. 1 player, I think it's extremely impressive," Freedman said. "Of all the pro tennis players I've played with, this kid possesses a couple of things very unique and important to paddle tennis.

"He takes it to the net very good. He doesn't hit it that hard, but what he lacks in power and technique, he more than makes up for in speed and physical prowess."

Lemon, a 42-year-old from Venice Beach, Calif., and the national director for the sport, couldn't match Monfils' athleticism.

"He stretched me out like a rubber band," he said.

Monfils' run in paddle tennis was a hot topic among his fellow pro tennis players, including Tennis Channel Open champion James Blake and runner-up Lleyton Hewitt, who enjoyed the "Tennispalooza" concept of the tournament, with ancillary events such as paddle tennis, pingpong and air hockey.

"It was so exciting to see everything else going on on the grounds," Blake said. "I watched a lot of Monfils' paddle tennis, and it's incredible how athletic that kid is and how much fun he had."

Hewitt agreed.

"It was a good atmosphere for the tennis players," he said. "We enjoyed coming here and being part of it."