Mpetshi Perricard Saves Match Point, Upsets Norrie in Auckland Thriller

Down a Set, Mpetshi Perricard Stages Comeback to Topple Top-30 Norrie

© AFP

Adrien Guyot

le 14/01/2026 à 07h32

1 min to read

Auckland Mpetshi Perricard Norrie Cameron

Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard took the court this Wednesday in Auckland. The last Frenchman left in New Zealand, world No. 63 faced Cameron Norrie.

After his straight-sets win over Roberto Bautista Agut (6-3, 7-6), the 22-year-old challenged a top-30 player this time in Cameron Norrie. The Briton had ousted another Frenchman in the previous round, Hugo Gaston (6-3, 6-4).

Mpetshi Perricard Reaches Auckland Quarterfinals

Firing 43 winners (including 25 aces), the Frenchman cracked at the worst moment in the first set, broken at 4-4. The Briton capitalized to seize the early lead.

But Mpetshi Perricard, who has struggled with consistency in recent months, showed no signs of doubt. His quick response came with a break midway through the second set, reigniting the drama.

In a match dominated by the servers overall, the outcome hinged on the third-set tiebreak. After saving a match point moments earlier, Mpetshi Perricard sealed the victory (4-6, 6-3, 7-6 in 1:58).

He advances to the quarterfinals of a second tournament in 2026 after reaching this stage at Brisbane last week. He will face Jakub Mensik or Hamad Medjedovic for a semifinal spot.