Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard's ace assault dents Nick Kyrgios ...

Mpetshi Perricard's ace assault dents Kyrgios' comeback in Brisbane

Aussie was playing first match since wrist surgery

December 31, 2024

French powerhouse Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard snuffed out Nick Kyrgios' hopes of a winning return to the ATP Tour Tuesday as he defeated the Australian 7-6(2), 6-7(4), 7-6(3) at the Brisbane International presented by Evie.

Going big on both first and second serves, the 21-year-old Frenchman fired 36 aces and put Kyrgios' wrist through a stern test in the Australian's first tour-level match since September 2023 wrist surgery. Gio served a game of aces to go ahead 5-4 in the third set and claimed two mini-breaks in the decisive tie-break to claim victory.

Mpetshi Perricard was also lethal from the baseline, crushing eight forehand winners in the first set alone. He also unveiled an upgraded backhand that proved resilient under pressure and produced a spectacular down-the-line winner in the fifth game of the opening set that left Kyrgios floundering.

“Playing against Nick was a good match for me, he did some good things during the match,” said Mpetshi Perricard. “He was very confident, a good serve. I tried my best and it worked.

“It was very exciting to play this one, and I’m very happy to get the win. I knew it was going to be a serve match. I hope I will have a nice recovery and be back in two days.”

Mpetshi Perricard, who last year climbed from No. 205 to No. 31 in the PIF ATP Rankings, next faces American fourth seed Frances Tiafoe.

Playing his first match since September 2023 wrist surgery, 29-year-old Kyrgios moved freely and showed few signs of rust. But he did play with heavy taping on his wrist and called the physio to court after dropping the first set.

He also played a composed match, exchanging little banter with the chair umpire and showing few signs of frustration.

Although he may not have hit his spots on serve early in the match, Kyrgios finished with 15 aces. He put 76 per cent of first serves into play, winning 83 per cent of those points. He also won 69 per cent of second serves and saved both break points he faced. Mpetshi Perricard also saved both break points faced.

Perricard finished with 59 winners, including 15 off his forehand wing, and 34 unforced errors, including seven double faults.