Giovanni Mpetshi
Perricard claimed the ATP Award for Most Improved Player of the Year after an
extraordinary rise from outside the top 200 at the start of the season to
finishing with a year-end ranking of World No. 31. The Frenchman captured two
titles this year, including his first ATP 500 victory.
From outside Top 200 to first two titles
At just 20
years old, Mpetshi Perricard clinched his maiden title at the Lyon Open,
defeating Tomás Martín Etcheverry in the final after saving a match point. “It
means a lot. A lot of dedication, a lot of hard training, a lot of questions
about my game,” the Frenchman said after his victory. “But I’m very happy to
win this one in Lyon especially, my hometown.”
His
breakout moment came later in the season with an incredible run at the Vienna
Open, where he defeated top players like Felix Auger-Aliassime, Denis
Shapovalov, Holger Rune, and Ben Shelton in the final, propelling him into the
top 30 for the first time.
After the
ATP’s announcement, Mpetshi Perricard shared a video expressing his gratitude:
“I’m very happy to win the Most Improved Player award. It was a good year for
me and my team. Now we are looking [forward to] 2025.”
The
competition for the Most Improved Player award was fierce, with other nominees
including Jack Draper, Tomas Machac, and Alejandro Tabilo. The nominees were
selected by the International Tennis Writers’ Association (ITWA), while the
winner was chosen directly by a vote among his peers on the shortlist.
At the
start of 2024, Mpétshi Perricard had only five tour-level matches under his
belt. He now ends the season with a 16-12 record and a remarkable jump of 175
ranking spots compared to the previous year.
Mpétshi
Perricard’s first tournament of the 2025 season is scheduled to be the ASB Classic in Brisbane, featuring a star-studded draw including Novak Djokovic, Grigor
Dimitrov, Holger Rune, and the returning Nick Kyrgios.
Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
claps 0visitors 0
Just In
Popular News
Latest Comments
- Wtf? Why is there no reason? And what about the men's?Bel08-11-2026
- One step by another step -- WTA continues to 'lose the plot'. Too many hi-tech microphones being installed at most venues!!! Remove them (especially those along the hallways, sidewalks, and pathways throughout the venues. Not to mention (most of all) remove the mic's from the Players/Coaches Box.
mandoist06-11-2026 - Enough of her bullshit. Go marry someone.mandoist06-11-2026
- Don't you just love this young lady!? We fans often expect athletes to be supermen and superwomen, often forgetting that they WILL GET TIRED! I love Alex's perspective. Tiredness for an athlete should never be viewed as a negative, especially if you are healthy, taking care of your body and mental health and putting in the work. What a mature perspective. Good for you, Alex!Rapunzel05-11-2026
- Jess is absolutely correct! But the disrespect is a trait I have noticed in most of the Russian players. Mirra is good but very immature and lacks humility. Conceivable needs to get a handle on that!Rapunzel05-11-2026
- Having spent weeks and weeks through the years on tour, I can say with confidence that Conchita was (is) one of the very few who realize the surprising level of maturity (and sometimes lack of) which Mirra seems to have developed in such a demanding adult world of Pro-Tennis. While at the same time reminding herself (Conchita, that is) that Mirra is still young and developing mentally and physically. The general public may forget at times, or not at all realize, these modern era young athletes do not have a 'normal' Youth. It's a major sacrifice, among countless sacrifices, these athletes must make. People who blow-off that fact are ignorant and unfair when they blurt out, "They choose fame so they have to put up with the intrusions on their lives". No, they do not.mandoist05-11-2026
- Okay... someone with a camera was EAVESDROPPING on a private conversation. Shouldn't that be the point of discussion here? Regardless of the sensationalist crap by media, Pegula (and anyone) has a right to an opinion. There used to be an expectation that private conversations were respected, regardless of 'stardom' and whatever other defensive excuses media tries to shove in our faces. Boo-hoo if feelings are hurt. BTW: Having been employed at various tourney venues, etc., I can't tell you how nasty and offensive players can be when discussing their opponents and colleagues... in "private". Well, I could, but won't. I also challenge anyone to deny what Jessica said is false.mandoist05-11-2026
- Vacherot is Mongasque, rather than Swiss. The tournament was Swiss :DTrwd7702-11-2026
- After a couple decades traveling to IIHF tourneys overseas... our family is done with it... and I will not be the only one!! Bad enough the NHL allows Ovachenko (a Putin Supporter and Campaigner) to live and play in the USA. Let's not forget the STATE SPONSORED RUSSIAN DOPING PROGRAMS still in effect today.mandoist31-10-2026
- Osaka's mental state apparently does not allow her to reach any more Quarter Finals? I mean, she doesn't really have the time for tennis with all the pre-planning that must go into her 12 year-old "fashion" goals.mandoist29-10-2026
