Big-server Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard feels like ‘John McEnroe’ after stunning Sebastian Korda at 2024 Wimbledon Championships

The Frenchman is known for strong serve and he used to well against Sebastian Korda at Wimbledon, hitting 51 aces en route to victory.

Big-server Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard feels like ‘John McEnroe’ after stunning Sebastian Korda at 2024 Wimbledon Championships

Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard (Image via Imago)

French tennis player Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard has made a big impression with his performances at the 2024 Wimbledon Championships. He has made it to the fourth round of the Grand Slam tournament after entering the main draw as a lucky loser following Alejandro Davidovich Fokina‘s withdrawal.

The Frenchman, who is the tallest player in the Top 100 of ATP Rankings, started the tournament by beating 20th seed Sebastian Korda in a thrilling five-setter. It was an intensely fought match with four sets going to the tiebreak. He had an easier time against Yoshihito Nishioka in the second round, winning in straight sets.

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Perricard faced a bit of a challenge against Emil Ruusuvuori in the third round and had to come from set down to win. The highlight of his game is his big, booming serves. After his win against Korda, he spoke about his style and claimed that he felt like John McEnroe when he ran to the net to back his serve.

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I felt like John McEnroe at times. After my serve, when I go to the net I put a lot of pressure on the opponent. Sometimes I can do better, but I have to improve on this part of the game, but I am [developing].
Giovannni Perricard said after his win over Sebastian Korda

Lorenzo Musetti now stands between him and the quarterfinals of the grass Major.

Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard draws inspiration from Milos Raonic and John Isner

Having earned a name for his ability to hit big serves, Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard also spoke about drawing inspiration from other stars who are known for that aspect of the game, like Milos Raonic and John Isner.

Giovanni-Perricard
Giovanni Perricard in action (Image via Imago)

Perricard said he grew up watching them and learned the nuances to make himself a better player. The Frenchman also stated that he never imagined that he would end up playing like either of them. 

I watched Isner a lot, Raonic as well when I was younger. I didn’t realize when I was young that I would play like this. But now I can watch footage of them back and say, ‘Yeah, I can take some of their good parts for their game and develop it to myself.’
Giovanni Perricard said (H/T: ATP Tour)

The World No. 58 averages a first-serve speed of 135mph and has a Serve Shot Quality of 9.4 at the tour level this year, according to data collected by TennisViz. Against Korda, his average first-serve speed was 136 mph, with his average second-serve speed 126 mph.

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