And the Frenchman continued that momentum into the Paris Masters, with Mpetshi Perricard beating Frances Tiafoe in the first round.

The Frenchman has, however, since been knocked out of the tournament by Karen Khachanov, who only just lost the Vienna Open final.

Joining Mpetshi Perricard in a Paris Masters second-round exit was Daniil Medvedev, who lost to Alexei Popyrin.

Daniil Medvedev says if he thinks Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard can win a Grand Slam

Prior to his shock exit, the Russian fourth seed was asked about the rapid rise of fellow pro Mpetshi Perricard in his latest Paris Masters press conference.

It comes after Carlos Alcaraz labelled the French youngster the best server on tour, with Medvedev then asked if he agrees, and if the 21-year-old can become a top-10 player or go on to win a Grand Slam.

“Yes, I think he could be a top-10 player,” replied Medvedev. “He’s not far. He’s 40, 30 now with his title. I don’t know where he is now. Well, you can reach the top 10. It’s not far. We never know, but he could. As for a Grand Slam, it won’t be easy for him.

READ MORE: Who is Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard? Inside the life of one of tennis’ hottest prospects with an unstoppable serve

“Even in Basel he had four deciders, so it’s a five-setter in a Grand Slam. He could win. And from the baseline, he plays quite well. Even for 102 kilos he plays really well. It might be more difficult for him than others. He plays well.

“Is he the best server on the tour? Yes, he might be. And maybe when he comes back, we can ask him about this. I saw stats that his second-serve ball is quite fast, so yeah, I think he could do it.”

Daniil Medvedev out of form ahead of ATP Finals

Mpetshi Perricard was ranked 50th in the world before his Basel Open win, with the Frenchman climbing to 31st spot after taking the title.

Should the superb displays continue, he is set to rise further up the rankings, but he does, of course, remain some way off fifth-placed Medvedev.

The Russian will be hugely disappointed with his early Paris Masters defeat, although he can relax having already secured his spot at the ATP Finals.

READ MORE: How much money Daniil Medvedev earned from his 68-minute loss to Jannik Sinner at the Six Kings Slam

World number one Jannik Sinner, who withdrew from the latest Masters 1,000 event through illness, has also qualified.

And he and Medvedev have been joined by Alexander Zverev and Taylor Fritz, with just three places remaining at the year-end tournament.

Related Posts