Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard served his way to a maiden ATP 500 title in Basel.
The Frenchman struck 22 aces in the final against Ben Shelton to bring his tally for the week to an incredible 109.
Without facing a break point throughout the final, Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard bullied his way to a 6-4, 7-6 win.
In doing so, the 21-year-old added an ATP 500 title to the 250 win he earned in Lyon earlier this year.
Now in Paris and at a career-high of 30, Mpetshi Perricard is not getting caught up in the moment. Rather, he has one thing on his mind and that’s looking forward.
Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard reveals main focus after Basel Open win
A glittering week saw the Frenchman topple three top 20 players, including his second win over Shelton this year.
Despite reflecting on his powerful and bullish week in Basel, Mpetshi Perricard has rightly attracted a lot of attention this week.
Indeed, he may well be a name we will get increasingly used to seeing in the latter stages of events.
Speaking to the ATP after his victory, the Frenchman said he had eyes on the future, rather than getting stuck in such recent glory.
“It’s amazing to win a tournament like that. A 500 for the first time for me,” said Mpetshi Perricard. “I just can be happy with myself, with what I did today and the past five days. It’s amazing to win here… [Before this] it was a tough month for me, but it’s always good when the victories are there.
“On this surface, of course my serve is a good weapon for me, but I try to be aggressive from the baseline and put some pressure on the opponent. I’m very happy [because it was] a big part of my game this week.
“My goal was to win a 250 or a 500, but to win both is amazing,” he added, before outlining his plans to keep progressing. “Of course, I’m focused on what I can improve in my game, a lot of things in training. The work paid [off], and I’m really happy.”
Having not been broken all week, it’s difficult to see how a firing Mpetshi Perricard can really be beaten, unless in a tie-break, where his only set loss came all week.
Who does Giovanni Mpteshi Perricard play next at the Paris Masters?
After sinking one charismatic American, Mpteshi Perricard has another within his sights instantly.
Featuring on home soil at the Paris Masters, the 21-year-old is preparing to face Frances Tiafoe in the opening round.
Standing six inches taller than the American, Mpetshi Perricard will likely be relying on his biggest weapon once again.
Having struck 109 aces over his five wins in Basel, the Frenchman will need all that firepower if he is to compete with the equally powerful Tiafoe.
With this their first career meeting, it already has all the features of an entertaining match-up.
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