Can we exceed 2 meters in height while still at the beginning of its growth? According to science, no. According to Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard, yes. At 21 years old, the 2.03 m Frenchman is preparing to compete for the first time in his career in the Paris-Bercy Masters 1000, two days after winning the biggest title of his career, the ATP 500 – the third category most prestigious of the tournament – in Basel, Switzerland. On Tuesday, October 29, around 1:00 p.m., he will have the honors of the center court where he will face the American Frances Tiafoe.
Eager for a spectacle, the Parisian public prepares to discover a strange bird. Lyonnais is what English speakers call a server robot, a serving machine. When he takes the ball in his hand to attack, the probability of seeing it return is low. That of being broken even less. In Basel he did not concede a single time in his service game.
“ “I almost killed myself trying to restart your services,” He gently reprimanded his victim from the Basel final, the American Ben Shelton, without holding a grudge after witnessing the parade of aces (22 in total). The day before, the Dane Holger Rune had maintained the counterattack as best he could in 17, but could not do much on a serve that flashed at 235 km/h in the middle of a tie-break. All in a second ball.
“My style of play? Be aggressive” laughs the racket gunner. A euphemism. “When I have the ball, I want to do damage. If the point continues, I try to build to get to the net as quickly as possible.” develops the right-hander, who was not making his first attempt in Switzerland.
After starting the season in the anonymity of the 205my world position, rose through the ranks, notably reaching the round of 16 at Wimbledon, until appearing in Paris as the 31stmy global.
A server, but not only
Obviously, Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard’s game shines on the courts of the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, a paradise for the giants of the circuit thanks to its fast conditions. But he service robot French has other advantages.
“They have always considered me a false great even though I stood out to everyone since I was 7-8 years old. I know how to do many other things and I am quite skilled with my hands and feet. “It would not be enough to simply serve well.” details Lyonnais, who won his first ATP title in May, at home, on clay. A surface that does not forgive players who are not willing to accept changes.
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