ATP Brisbane: Reilly Opelka vs Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard; Preview, Head-to-Head, and Prediction

ATP Brisbane: Reilly Opelka vs Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard; Preview, Head-to-Head, and Prediction
ATP Brisbane: Reilly Opelka vs Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard; Preview, Head-to-Head, and Prediction

The ATP Brisbane event has reached its final four, and some unexpected names have emerged as contenders. American Reilly Opelka, once a forgotten figure in tennis, is on a hot streak and just one victory away from his first ATP final since 2023. However, his path to the title is far from easy, as he faces off against the talented French youngster Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard. With the stage set for an exciting clash, who will emerge victorious?

Reilly Opelka vs Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard: Preview

Reilly Opelka, a towering 6’11” American player, is making headlines with his remarkable comeback to professional tennis after a two-year injury hiatus. Formerly ranked within the ATP Top 20, Opelka is now ranked No. 293 but is showcasing the skills that once made him a formidable competitor.

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In a stunning display of form, Opelka defeated Novak Djokovic, the world No. 7, in the Brisbane quarterfinals with a 7-6(6), 6-3 victory. His powerful serve, recording 16 aces and winning 79% of his service points, proved decisive in this upset. Opelka’s return signals a promising resurgence in his tennis career.

On the other hand, his opponent Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard, a 21-year-old Frenchman ranked No. 31 in the ATP rankings, is gaining recognition as one of the tour’s rising stars. Known for his aggressive style and powerful serve, Mpetshi Perricard impressed in Brisbane with a first-round victory over Nick Kyrgios in a thrilling match decided by three tiebreakers, 7-6, 6-7, 7-6.

Following the win, he managed to stun Frances Tiafoe and then cruised past Jakub Mensik in the quarter-finals with the scoreline of 7-5, 7-6 to book his place in the semis. He served 19 aces in what was a dominating display. Delivering an astounding 36 aces, he showed his ability to dominate on serve.

Opelka vs Perricard: Head-to-head

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The head-to-head stats between the two stars stand at 0-0 each. This will be the first time both players will be going up against each other for a place in the finals of the ATP Brisbane semi-finals. But who will come out on top?

Prediction: Perricard to end Reilly Opelka’s dominant run in a three-set thriller

The showdown between Reilly Opelka and Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard in Brisbane is set to be a thrilling battle of serves and mental resilience. Opelka, fresh off his stunning upset over Novak Djokovic, has shown he can dominate with his powerful serve and strategic shot-making. However, his limited baseline mobility and consistency might become vulnerabilities against an aggressive and composed opponent like Perricard.

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On the other hand, Mpetshi Perricard has displayed impressive form, particularly in his high-pressure win over Nick Kyrgios, where he showcased his ability to thrive in tight situations. While facing Opelka’s serve will test his return game, Perricard’s aggressive baseline play and focus during long service games could tip the scales in his favor.

This match is likely to feature multiple tiebreaks, with both players battling to hold serve. In the end, Perricard’s ability to capitalize on crucial moments and his recent momentum may give him the edge to outlast Opelka in a dramatic three-set encounter.

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