Video - Tokyo 2010: When Andy Roddick "challenges" his own serve hoping the ball... is out

In the refined yet ruthless world of professional tennis, certain moments stand out. The quarterfinal match at the Tokyo tournament on October 8, 2010, between Andy Roddick and Gaël Monfils, is one of them. Not for an exceptional point or a tense moment, but for a humorous situation created by the American.

While Roddick is serving at 5-6 in the third set, leading 30-0 in an attempt to level the score and force a tie-break, he delivers a powerful first serve, which Monfils returns cleanly.

But the American, clearly convinced that his serve was long, doesn't even play the point. He remains frozen, almost resigned. A few seconds later, he turns to the umpire and requests a challenge... hoping that his own serve is a fault.

A rare moment, captured by the microphones, and a gesture that brings smiles to the commentators and the audience. The scene can be rewatched below.