The young Frenchman Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard, 31st in the world at only 19 years old, created a sensation by eliminating Nick Kyrgios for his highly anticipated return to Brisbane. A feat that heralds a career…
At the start of 2025, the tennis world has its eyes fixed on Brisbane where the traditional international hard court tournament takes place. But this edition will undoubtedly be remembered for the exceptional performance achieved by a young 19-year-old Frenchman: Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard.
A feat for his first clash with Kyrgios
Ranked 31st in the ATP, Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard took the scalp of Australian Nick Kyrgios, former Wimbledon finalist, who was making his comeback in singles after 19 months of absence and a wrist operation. In a Pat Rafter Arena won over to the cause of his local hero, the Frenchman did not tremble and won after a fierce server battle: 7-6 [2]6-7 [4]7-6 [3].
With his 36 aces compared to 15 for Kyrgios, Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard made the rounds in the service and knew how to keep his cool in heated moments. A performance that commands respect as the Australian recognized after the match:
I feel like I played a great match, but Giovanni is going to wreak havoc and have a long career, that's for sure. It serves with such efficiency, there is almost no variation in terms of speed. He just played too well for me.
Confirmation of immense potential
This prestigious victory against Nick Kyrgios confirms all the potential glimpsed in Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard from a very young age. Turning professional at just 16 years old in 2022 after having soared through the youth categories, this native of Lyon impresses with the power and regularity of his serve. A blow that is already wreaking havoc on the circuit.
Coached since his beginnings by Emmanuel Planque, the current 31st player in the world has climbed the ranks at full speed to establish himself permanently in the Top 50 in 2024. With already two ATP titles to his name, in Lyon and Antwerp, this server- 1m93 volleyball player asserts himself as one of the most promising prospects in French and world tennis.
The start of a rivalry with the new generation?
Even if their first duel turned to his advantage, Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard knows that Nick Kyrgios remains a formidable opponent who has everything to return to the highest level after his long absence. But his Brisbane victory could mark the start of a rivalry set to last with other young talents like the Spaniard Carlos Alcaraz or the Italian Jannik Sinner.
In the meantime, the slender Lyonnais wants to build on his achievement to aim for a first coronation in the ATP 250 and enter the Top 20. His next opponent in the 2nd round will be the American Frances Tiafoe, whom he already beat last season. Enough to glimpse a new performance of choice and ideally launch a 2025 season which could be that of the revelation for Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard. A name to remember for sure.
