Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard is set to make his first ATP 500 final appearance at the Swiss Indoors in Basel.
Perricard has had one of the most impressive breakout seasons we’ve seen on the ATP Tour in recent times, rising from 205th in the world at the start of 2024, to 37th in the live rankings after his performances so far at the Basel Open.
The Frenchman battled past Holger Rune in straight sets to reach the final, and will now face off against Ben Shelton who beat Arthur Fils, in the other semi-final.
It won’t be the first final of the season for Perricard however, who won his first ATP title earlier this year at the Lyon Open, beating Thomas Martin Etcheverry in the final.
6ft 8 Perricard, then went on to have an impressive showing at Wimbledon, where he reached the fourth round, falling to eventual semi-finalist Lorenzo Musetti.
His final in Basel is just another step in the right direction for the Frenchman, who recently gave an interesting answer to who his favorite player was.
Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard chooses his favorite player between Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer
During his post-match on-court interview, the Frenchman was asked if he took inspiration from Roger Federer and his ten Basel Open titles.
Perricard said that he had, but that he wasn’t a big fan of his favorite player losing to Federer in the 2015 final.
“I was sad when Rafa [Nadal] lost against him in 2015,” he said.
“So I mean, yeah I like Roger [Federer] but I do prefer Rafa.”
Federer may have got the better of Rafael Nadal in three sets back in 2015, but Perricard recognizes the greatness of both players.
“Both players are great, amazing,” he said.
“They inspired me when I was young and I just try to be as good as them.”
Can Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard beat Ben Shelton in the Basel Open final?
Perricard will likely be a slight underdog in his first ATP 500 final against Shelton, with the American having more experience on the ATP Tour.
The 22-year-old won his first ATP 500 title at the Tokyo Open last year, and Shelton won in Texas earlier in 2024, to take home his second ATP title.
The pair have faced off once before, with Perricard getting the better of Shelton 6-3, 7-6, at Queen’s earlier this year.
Things may be slightly different in Switzerland however, as Shelton’s prowess on hard courts could prove too much for the giant Frenchman.
There are certainly arguments for both sides, and it’s perhaps too close to call, with both players in fine form heading into the final.
Pericard will return to the court to take on Shelton in the Basel Open final on Sunday.
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