Tension at the net: Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard and Jakub Mensik’s frosty handshake steals the spotlight
ATP
Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard and Jakub Mensik had a tense handshake at the net following the Frenchman’s 7-5, 7-6(5) victory over the young Czech at the Brisbane International. The World No. 31 moves into the semifinals, where he will face Reilly Opelka.
The quarterfinal clash featured two of the most promising rising stars of the 2024 season. Mpetshi surged from outside the top 200 into the top 30 in just one year, adapting impressively to the demands of the ATP Tour. Meanwhile, the 19-year-old Czech climbed from outside the top 150 to break into the top 50.
Although this was their first ATP-level encounter, the two previously faced off at the 2023 Poznan Challenger, where Mpetshi prevailed in a narrow 7-6, 3-6, 7-6 win in the first round.
Mpetshi Perricard Advances to Semis After Fiery Clash
Mensik was visibly unhappy after the hour-and-34-minute defeat and showed evident frustration during the handshake. Mpetshi Perricard, on his part, didn’t seem inclined toward a more amicable exchange either.
Once again, Mpetshi Perricard leaned heavily on his serve, which has arguably become the best on the Tour this season. He fired 19 aces and won 76% of his service points, leaving Mensik unable to find a way through.
The key moments went against Mensik. After a tight first set, the Czech conceded his only break point at 5-6 when a tiebreak seemed inevitable. Mpetshi capitalised on this opportunity to take the set 7-5.
The second set followed a similar pattern, with both players holding serve firmly. Once again, Mensik found himself serving at 5-6, saving a match point to push the set into a tiebreak. However, one missed point on his serve was all Mpetshi needed to seal the victory.
Mpetshi Perricard’s next opponent will be American Reilly Opelka (World No. 293), who has rediscovered top form early in the season, notably defeating Novak Djokovic in the quarterfinals.
The handshake between Mpetshi Perricard and Mensik 🥶pic.twitter.com/h2L1DoE77s
— We Are Tennis (@WeAreTennis) January 3, 2025
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
- I, like writer of this wonderful article, also picked Noskova to win this entire thing. I would love it if she and Andreeva are in the final.Rapunzel12-11-2026
- "Priorities", Saba... spend less time in front of cameras, anti-Social Media, selfies and back to Tennis.
mandoist12-11-2026 - Tell this to Andreeva!mandoist12-11-2026
- Andreeva with 11 games in a row to add to Saba's downward spiral issue !!! Personal feelings aside... Jess Pegula may want to reassess her evaluation of Mirra's abilities.mandoist12-11-2026
- I predicted whenthe list was finalised that Linda Noskova would win the WTA Finals and her matches against Gauff and Kostyuk prove that. She is the best (underrated) player in the world!Rapunzel11-11-2026
- Either Lena has a chronic internal ailment (i.e., colitis, enteritis, Crohn's, or some type of lower abdomen issue) -- or she is once again dealing with 'Vukovitis'. Mental stress can indeed cause lower body pains. No matter... whatever is truly going on sucks. "Virus" excuse is getting a bit old -- and often -- at this point.mandoist09-11-2026
- Ironically, Martina became a U.S. Citizen about the same time as the Orange Convicted Felon & Abuser was just beginning on his road to losing all Daddy's Millions!!mandoist09-11-2026
- "Another fresh start is in the cards." Thanks for the Humor!! I'm guessing this is the minimum one can do to keep all your sponsors hanging-on in perpetuity?mandoist09-11-2026
- Vukov is doing this to Lena... AGAIN!!!!! WTA's autonomous collective should be dismantled for allowing Vukov to re-emerge from his hand-slapping suspension. Just ask WTA employees how that's been going lately as they witness his continued verbal abuses. Women's Pro Tennis should start over.mandoist08-11-2026
- Can't help but suspect Vukov is back to his old self again. Thank you, WTA. Perhaps you can give them a "Battling Couple of the Year Award 2026" ??mandoist08-11-2026
