The powerfully serving Frenchman Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard, 31st in the world, qualified for the semi-finals of the ATP 250 tournament in Brisbane this Friday by beating the Czech Jakub Mensik (48th) in two sets 7-5, 7-6. What now, Djokovic? After Kyrgios, Tiafoe and therefore Mensik, the Serbian with 24 Grand Slam titles could stand in the way of the young Frenchman, in the event of victory on Friday evening against the American Reilly Opelka.
At 21 years old and just before the Australian Open, Mpetshi Perricard confirms his rise to power on the ATP circuit at the start of the season, after his first victories in 2024, in Lyon (ATP 250) and Basel (ATP 500). Against the 19-year-old Czech, he once again struck lightning with 19 aces – committing only two double faults. Also being consistent on his second serve, he did not concede any break points and was able to convert one of the two break points he had.
In the tie-break, the Frenchman intelligently made the mini-break with a passing (4-2), which took Mensik out of his match somewhat. After a first match point saved by Mensik in the previous game, the Czech saved two more in the tie-break, on his serve. But from his first opportunity on his serve, the Frenchman was able to finish, going up to the net to volley. He is now salivating at the idea of facing Novak Djokovic: “He's the hardest player to play, he's an incredible player, he's accomplished so much, I'd be very happy to play him.” he said.
