Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard has been one of the ATP Tour’s breakout stars in 2024 and his rise continued with the biggest title of his career on Sunday. Mpetshi Perricard beat Ben Shelton 6-4, 7-6(4) in the final of the Swiss Indoors Basel, racking up 500 ranking points that will take him to No. 31 in the world.
The 6’8” Frenchman did not lose serve in the entire tournament and faced only three break points–all against Denis Shapovalov in the quarterfinals.
“It’s amazing to win a tournament like that, a 500, for the first time for me,” Mpetshi Perricard said. “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.”
At the Erste Bank Open, Jack Draper also continued his impressive 2024 campaign by defeating Karen Khachanov 6-4, 7-5. Draper squandered all of 4-0 lead in the second set–which he gained by breaking twice in a row at love–and lost five consecutive games. However, the British lefty held for 5-5 and then came up with another break before serving it out at 6-5 for victory.
“I was playing so good, and then the momentum shifted,” Draper reflected. “Honestly, I didn’t feel too nervous or tight–I just missed a few balls and made some wrong decisions and Karen picked up his level. That’s a testament to how good he is; he’s a fighter and he’s in great form.
“It got really tight there, but I stayed solid and in a good mental frame. Luckily I was able to come through. It was a relief. To win my first ATP 500, it feels incredible. I am incredibly happy and so proud of myself and my team.”
Just like Mpetshi Perricard, this is Draper’s second career title and first at a 500.
too good, GMP
and Draper.
The man with two former British tennis players in his name what a performance. Hard to stop in Paris if he stays fit . Which Draper didn’t probably lose early