“Toughest on earth,” Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard reacts to possibility of facing Novak Djokovic next at Brisbane International
If Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard faces Novak Djokovic in the Brisbane International semifinal, then it'll be their first meeting on the ATP Tour.
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Novak Djokovic, Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard (Images via X)
Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard is one of the favorites to win the Brisbane International. The Frenchman, at 6’8″, is one of the biggest servers on the tour. He overcame comeback man Nick Kyrgios in the first round, firing 36 aces throughout the match.
The 21-year-old then knocked out fourth seed Frances Tiafoe in straight sets, before fending off Jakub Mensik to reach the semifinals. In his bid to chase his third ATP title, the youngster could face the ‘toughest’ opponent in the semifinal.
Novak Djokovic, who breezed past Rinky Hijikata and beat Gael Monfils for the 20th time on the trot in his first two matches, is scheduled to meet Reilly Opelka in the quarterfinals and the winner of the match will then lock horns with Perricard in the last four.
I think it’s the toughest on earth [on facing Djokovic]. I can be excited to play him. He’s an unbelievable player. He did so many good things. I can be excited. Novak was one of my inspirations growing up. Not my favorite, but one of my inspirations because of what he’s done. If he wins, I can be very happy to play against him.
Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard said during his post-match interview
Mpetshi Perricard d. Mensik 7-5 7-6
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) January 3, 2025
Giovanni serves his way through to the Brisbane SF
If this week is anything to go by, we haven’t even begun to see the best of Giovanni
Brilliant server who knows exactly how to get the most out of his game
✅3rd career SF
Great week ?? pic.twitter.com/iVC2SaZBYm
Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard wants to play Novak Djokovic in the final
Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard has never faced Novak Djokovic. As there’s a possibility of their first meeting in the semifinals at the Brisbane International, Perricard said it would’ve been better if they faced each other in the final.
I mean, if I can play Novak in the final, it’s always better. Yeah I mean, I saw I wasn’t in his draw until the semis. I was like, whew, okay! Yeah, I think it’s going to be a good match if I’m playing against him.
Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard said at the press conference after his second-round win
Djokovic has never won the Brisbane International, and after his win over Gael Monfils, he joked that not winning the tournament motivates him to play better. The Serbian legend also signed up for doubles with Nick Kyrgios, but their campaign did not go beyond the second round as they lost to the pair of Nikola Mektic and Michael Venus.
After the ATP 250 event in Brisbane, Djokovic will fly to Melbourne for the Australian Open to chase his 25th Grand Slam title. Last year he was defeated by eventual champion Jannik Sinner in the semifinal.
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Gouri Das
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