Rising Star Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard: The Power of Family and Mentorship in Tennis
Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard, a 21-year-old tennis player with a rising profile on the ATP Tour, is making waves with a powerful serve and a strategic style that has earned him a spot among tennis’s young talents. His journey, however, isn’t just a tale of personal talent but is deeply influenced by his family and his dedicated coach, Emmanuel Planque.
Born to parents with a strong athletic heritage, Giovanni grew up in a family where sports were a way of life. His father, Guylain Mpetshi, was a former football player who instilled discipline and focus in Giovanni from a young age. Meanwhile, his sisters, Ariane and Daphnee, found success in basketball and tennis, giving him role models to follow. But it is his mother, Sylvie Perricard, whom Giovanni holds closest to his heart. She has been his primary supporter and motivator, especially during his early training years. In an interview, Giovanni described Sylvie as his “hero,” noting her role in supporting his decision to leave home at 12 to train with the French Tennis Federation.
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Despite his roots in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, a place where tennis isn’t widely popular, Giovanni developed a love for the game early on. With memories of learning the basics on the tennis court as a child, he steadily built up his skillset, and his talent soon led him to national and international attention. A pivotal moment in his career came when he partnered with coach Emmanuel Planque in December 2023. Known for helping players like Lucas Pouille break into the ATP’s top ranks, Planque’s coaching has been instrumental in refining Giovanni’s game. His emphasis on strategic play, early ball contact, and maximizing height advantages has helped Giovanni transition to a powerful, fast-paced style—ideal for taking on the current crop of tennis heavyweights.
Giovanni’s impressive rise is marked by significant accomplishments this season, such as reaching his first ATP 500 final in Basel and achieving a career-high ranking of World No. 37. His powerful serve, averaging nearly 18.5 aces per match, has made him the new “ace-king” of the ATP Tour. This season alone, he has held a solid record of 45 wins out of 69 matches, further highlighted by a memorable title win in Lyon.
Beyond his on-court performances, Giovanni is an avid sports fan who finds inspiration in athletes from various disciplines, such as Rafael Nadal in tennis, Ronaldo in soccer, and LeBron James in basketball. He especially admires Nadal’s achievements at the French Open, which has been a lifelong favorite tournament of Giovanni’s. Off the court, he supports Olympique Lyonnais and unwinds with video games—a small slice of normalcy in his fast-paced career.
Giovanni’s future looks promising as he builds upon the robust foundation set by his family and enhanced by Planque’s guidance. With each tournament, he proves that strong family support, coupled with the right mentorship, can drive remarkable achievements in sports. As he takes on new challenges, the tennis world eagerly watches to see just how far Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard can go.
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