End of the Road for Mpetshi Perricard in Shanghai Against Rune
Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard and Holger Rune faced off for a spot in the quarterfinals of the Shanghai Masters 1000. The match started in the best possible way for the Dane, who broke the Frenchman's serve right from the start.
He then managed to hold his own service games without much difficulty to win the first set 6-4.
The second set was more balanced between the two players. Rune earned one break point, while Mpetshi Perricard had three, but neither was able to convert.
The decision came down to the tie-break, which was of high quality from both players, exemplified by Rune's passing shot played after returning a first ball from the Frenchman at 236 km/h.
In the end, it was Mpetshi Perricard who clinched the tie-break and forced his opponent into a decisive third set.
But the Dane quickly regrouped and remained calm against a player who may have been physically worn out after the tie-break. He broke the Frenchman's serve immediately and never let the lead slip.
He ultimately won 6-4, 6-7, 6-3 with only 9 unforced errors during the 2-hour 30-minute match. He will face either Valentin Vacherot or Tallon Griekspoor in the next round.
Shanghai 
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