The long-awaited return of Nick Kyrgios to the singles court was halted by rising French star Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard in a serving masterclass at the Brisbane International. In a match featuring 51 aces and no breaks of serve, it was the 21-year-old who had the answers in the tiebreaks to prevail 7-6(2) 6-7(4) 7-6(3).
Mpetshi Perricard Announces Arrival
While much of the focus was on the comeback of the mercurial Australian, it was his young opponent who stole the show. Mpetshi Perricard, who rocketed from outside the top 200 to world No. 31 in 2024, showed why he is considered one of the most promising prospects on tour.
The Frenchman’s serve was virtually untouchable, regularly exceeding 220 km/h and backing it up with brave second serves. He fired 36 aces to Kyrgios’ 15, never allowing the Australian a glimpse of a break point.
The future is now. Mpetshi Perricard’s serving display was a signal of intent to the tennis world.
Tennis commentator Rob Koenig
Kyrgios Shows Fight in Return
For Kyrgios, playing just his second tour-level singles match in over two years after a troublesome wrist injury, there were encouraging signs despite the defeat. He matched the youngster shot-for-shot in the baseline rallies and produced moments of magic at net.
- Kyrgios hit 15 aces and saved the only break point he faced
- His movement and shot-making sharpened as the match progressed
But on the big points, especially in the first and third set tiebreaks, it was Mpetshi Perricard who held his nerve. A running forehand winner got him the early mini-break in the first, while Kyrgios errors opened the door in the decider.
What It Means for Kyrgios
While a win would have been the perfect way to launch his comeback, Kyrgios can take plenty of positives from his performance against one of the in-form players on tour. His serve, always his biggest weapon, was solid, and the wrist appeared to hold up well over the near 2.5 hour battle.
The key now will be to build match fitness and sharpness ahead of the Australian Open, where he will be unseeded but still a dangerous floater. If his body holds up and he can find his range, Kyrgios remains capable of challenging anyone on his day.
A loss is never the goal, but this was an extremely encouraging performance by Nick after so long out. If he stays healthy, he will be a force again very soon.
Kyrgios’ coach
Bright Future for French Tennis
For Mpetshi Perricard, this was the biggest win of his young career and a sign of just how far he has come in the last 12 months. His game style, built on a big serve and power groundstrokes, is eerily similar to a young Kyrgios.
If he can continue his rapid development, Mpetshi Perricard looks to have all the tools to lead the next generation of French tennis stars. Wins like this will only enhance his reputation as a cool head under pressure.
MASSIVE win for 🇫🇷 Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard!
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) December 31, 2024
The 21-year-old takes out Nick Kyrgios 7-6(2) 6-7(4) 7-6(3) in a serving exhibition in Brisbane 🚀
51 aces in total!#BrisbaneTennis pic.twitter.com/tdKuohdYHz
While one match doesn’t make a career, this win over Kyrgios is a major scalp for Mpetshi Perricard. If he can back it up in the coming weeks, the tennis world could be looking at its newest star in the making.
