Olaniyi AyoolaGiovanni Mpetshi Perricard pulled off an impressive comeback against Denis Shapovalov to reach the Basel quarterfinals, turning what looked like a lost cause into one of the most memorable wins of his young career. The Frenchman, known for his towering serve and growing presence on the ATP Tour, battled back from a set down to defeat the experienced Canadian in a tightly contested three-set match that showcased grit, resilience, and raw power.
Shapovalov, a former top-10 player, came out firing in the opening set. He moved fluidly across the court, dictating rallies with his signature one-handed backhand and taking advantage of Perricard’s early inconsistency from the baseline. The first set went to the Canadian 6-3, leaving many to assume he would cruise to a straight-sets victory. However, Perricard had other plans.
In the second set, the 21-year-old Frenchman adjusted his game plan. He improved his first-serve percentage, limited unforced errors, and began to dominate with his forehand. A crucial break midway through the set allowed him to edge ahead, and he held his nerve to close it out 6-4. The match began to shift in tone as Perricard’s confidence visibly grew, while Shapovalov appeared increasingly frustrated with missed opportunities and untimely double faults.
The deciding set saw both players engage in long, tense rallies, with momentum swinging back and forth. Perricard saved multiple break points with aces and clever net approaches, keeping the pressure on Shapovalov throughout. The Frenchman eventually earned a key break late in the set and served out the match with authority, sealing a 3-6, 6-4, 7-5 victory in just over two hours.
This win marks a significant milestone in Mpetshi Perricard’s career as he continues to make strides on the ATP Tour. Known for his explosive serve and athletic build, the Lyon native is beginning to show maturity and tactical awareness to match his physical gifts. For Shapovalov, the loss is another setback in a season filled with inconsistency as he works to return to the top tier of men’s tennis.
Perricard now advances to the Basel semifinals, where he will face a top-seeded opponent. With momentum and confidence on his side, he will look to continue his breakout run and potentially capture his first ATP title.
Olaniyi Ayoola
Musa
