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Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard is a tennis junkie. Not solely is the 19-year-old discovering early success on the ATP Challenger Tour, he additionally manages to observe his shut pals, reminiscent of Arthur Fils, on Challenger TV.
Amidst all his matches, practices, work outs, travelling, and the minute particulars that go into knowledgeable tennis participant’s life, the Frenchman is a real supporter of his pals.
This week on the Helsinki Challenger, he didn’t have to go surfing to observe Fils. He was throughout the online for a first-round qualifying match.
“I attempt to watch each single match of Arthur’s on Challenger TV,” Mpetshi Perricard informed ATPTour.com.
In 2021, ‘Gio’ made his first breakthrough as he partnered with Fils to win the Roland Garros boys’ doubles title. That very same week, Fils acquired the higher of him within the boys’ singles semi-final en path to a runner-up end (l. Van Assche). In Finland, the roles had been reversed as Mpetshi Perricard certified for the Helsinki Challenger essential draw. The #NextGenATP Frenchmen are hoping to be among the many subsequent technology of high professionals of their nation.
“It was good to win the boys’ doubles title at dwelling with my good friend,” Mpetshi Perricard mentioned. “Now once I see the outcomes of Arthur and guys like Gabriel Debru, we push one another in a great way. After we are again coaching on the [French Tennis] Federation, there’s a good environment collectively.”
The Lyon native, who has competed in simply eight Challenger occasions in his profession, is already studying precious classes via the highs and lows of the skilled circuit. One necessary studying curve got here after a troublesome loss in Could.
“On the Bordeaux Challenger, I misplaced in qualifying to Salvatore Caruso after having two match factors,” Mpetshi Perricard mentioned. “After the match I informed myself, ‘Giovanni, you had two match factors in opposition to an excellent participant, so you possibly can go greater!’
“The start of the season was very difficult for me. I had a shoulder harm and I used to be sick. Now I’m actually completely satisfied to be taking part in at one hundred pc.”
This summer season, ‘Gio’ superior via qualifying en path to reaching his first Challenger semi-final on the Liberec Challenger, the place he misplaced to eventual champion Jiri Lehecka. The Frenchman continued to play effectively on the clay-courts, together with the Lima-2 Challenger, the place he was a quarter-finalist (l. Coria).
The teenager stands tall at 6’7” and carries an aggressive sport fashion. Boasting a heavy supply, strong forehand, and a one-handed backhand, ‘Gio’ pounces on any alternative to shut the online.
Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard in motion on the 2022 Lima-2 Challenger. Credit score: @igmachallengers
Coached by Emmanuel Planque, who has beforehand labored with former High-25 gamers Michael Llodra, Lucas Pouille, and Fabrice Santoro, the World No. 382 has his eyes set on following within the footsteps of his French tennis idols Jo-Wilfried Tsonga and Gael Monfils to realize a childhood dream.
“Rising up you see Roland Garros on TV, and I informed myself, ‘I wish to be there!’” Mpetshi Perricard mentioned.
The Frenchman isn’t the one tennis participant in his household with a shiny future. His 13-year-old sister Daphnee received the J3 Saint Cyprien ITF occasion this previous month. Giovanni cracked amusing as he shared that he won’t ever permit her to beat him.
Whether or not he’s watching his pals on Challenger TV, discovering success of his personal, or having fun with a sibling rivalry in opposition to his youthful sister, ‘Gio’ has the game of tennis flowing via his veins.
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