Mpetshi Perricard Will Be Among Best of Best

By Richard Pagliaro | @Tennis_Now | Sunday, October 27, 2024

Photo credit: Sarah Stier/ Getty

Arthur Fils arrives at the Rolex Paris Masters with a shot to finish his break-out season as French No. 1.

The 20-year-old Fils says his friend and sometimes doubles partner, Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard, can be among the best in the world.

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The 6’8″ Mpetshi Perricard pounded 22 aces beating Ben Shelton 6-4, 7-6(4) to capture his maiden ATP 500 championship in Basel today.

Fils, who has hit with the 21-year-old Mpetshi Perricard since they were young teenagers, asserts he has all the weapons to challenge the elite.

Mpetshi Perricard did not drop serve winning Basel and his ability to hold is one reason why he’s so tough to beat, says Fils.

“Well, if he doesn’t miss any serves, it’s difficult to break him. It’s very difficult to play him, that’s for sure,” Fils said of Mpetshi Perricard at his Rolex Paris Masters presser today. “He’s part of the best servers, and he’s very good at the baseline. He moves very well on the court, as well.

“I think and I hope that he will be part of the best of the best.”