Daniil Medvedev has joined Carlos Alcaraz in expressing admiration for Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard, viewing the young Frenchman as a strong Grand Slam contender with impressive serving skills that are making waves on the ATP Tour. Medvedev, the 2021 US Open champion and currently one of the most consistent players on the ATP circuit, praised Mpetshi’s standout performance at the recent Basel Open and sees immense potential for him to reach the top 10 and perhaps even challenge for major titles in the near future.
Mpetshi Perricard’s recent journey at the Basel Open has turned heads, with his powerful game and unexpected victories over well-established players. In a string of standout matches, he defeated Felix Auger-Aliassime, Denis Shapovalov, and Holger Rune, ultimately facing American Ben Shelton in the final. His victory over Shelton (6-4, 7-6) showcased not only his consistency but also his ability to handle pressure in critical moments, closing out the match with some of the most impressive serving statistics recorded on the tour.
Medvedev pointed to the remarkable power and speed of Mpetshi’s serve as a defining factor in his recent success. In the final, Mpetshi averaged a staggering 221 km/h on his first serve and 213 km/h on his second, stats that place him among the most formidable servers in tennis today. This was evident in his 22 aces across just two sets, underscoring the dominance he brought to his service games and making his opponents struggle to find rhythm or counter his powerful shots. His second-serve speed is especially noteworthy; while many players rely on slower second serves to ensure accuracy, Mpetshi consistently delivered near first-serve speeds, an asset that could serve him well in future Grand Slam events.
In fact, Carlos Alcaraz, who has quickly ascended as one of the brightest young stars and a former world No. 1 himself, recently shared his thoughts on Mpetshi’s potential upon arriving at the Paris Masters. Alcaraz stated that he sees Mpetshi as a player to watch, one capable of contending for major titles in the coming years. Alcaraz, known for his sharp insights into the game, emphasized that Mpetshi’s blend of power and skill could make him a threat on any surface.
Medvedev expanded on Alcaraz’s view, noting that the Frenchman’s physical attributes, coupled with his aggressive playing style, give him a unique edge. “Yes, I think he could be a top-10 player,” Medvedev said confidently. “He’s not far off. With his latest title, he’s around 30 or 40 in the rankings, and he’s moving up. You never know, but he definitely has the potential.” Medvedev also acknowledged that achieving Grand Slam success will present challenges, particularly because of the physical demands of a best-of-five format. Medvedev commented, “Even in Basel, he had four deciding sets, so it’s tough. But he could win, especially given how well he plays from the baseline.”
Medvedev also drew attention to Mpetshi’s impressive movement and agility for his build, noting that, at 102 kilograms, the Frenchman handles himself exceptionally well on the court. “Even for 102 kilos, he moves really well,” Medvedev said. This combination of power and mobility gives Mpetshi an advantage, particularly on faster surfaces where his serving prowess can make it difficult for opponents to break his game. He can hit from the baseline and has a knack for switching to an attacking game style, which keeps his opponents guessing and allows him to control points more effectively.
When discussing Mpetshi’s serve, Medvedev didn’t hesitate to rank it among the best on the ATP Tour. “Is he the best server on the tour? Yes, he might be,” Medvedev commented. “I saw some stats showing that his second-serve ball is quite fast, so yeah, I think he could do it.” He highlighted that, in a tour filled with impressive servers, Mpetshi’s unique ability to maintain high speeds on his second serve sets him apart. Such a skill not only improves his service games but also places pressure on opponents to deliver flawless returns or risk giving him a strategic advantage.
The tennis world is indeed taking note of the 21-year-old’s rise, with both players and commentators seeing him as a future star. Mpetshi’s Basel Open performance marks his second ATP title, an impressive feat given his young age and relative inexperience at this level. As he continues to develop his game, expectations will likely rise, but his recent success suggests that he has the mental strength and resilience to handle the pressures of professional tennis.
Medvedev’s endorsement further cements Mpetshi’s place as a player to watch. Having faced nearly every top player on tour and with his own US Open title under his belt, Medvedev’s perspective carries weight. His comments about Mpetshi’s potential for Grand Slam success and rise into the ATP’s upper echelon reflect a genuine belief that the young Frenchman has the tools and the tenacity to make an impact in the game’s most prestigious tournaments.
While only time will tell if Mpetshi Perricard can fulfill this potential, his recent performances provide a promising glimpse into what could be a remarkable career. As Medvedev and Alcaraz continue to sing his praises, fans can expect that Mpetshi will face increasing attention and scrutiny, not only from his fellow competitors but from the tennis world at large. If his serve continues to set new records and his game continues to evolve, Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard may very well join the ranks of the ATP’s elite, challenging for Grand Slam titles in the not-so-distant future.