Surprised by Janvier, Mpetshi Perricard disappoints!

Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard failed to live up to his billing. Ranked 59th in the world this week, the 20-year-old Frenchman was the overwhelming favorite in this qualifying draw. However, after two matches which were generally well-controlled, he was trapped on Thursday.

Faced with his compatriot Maxime Janvier, the French giant cruelly lacked the bite, particularly on the return and backhand, to hope for victory. Faced with an over-enthusiastic Janvier (47 winners, 16 unforced errors, 9 aces), he negotiated the important moments too poorly to qualify on his own.

Despite a colossal performance on serve (44 aces, 65% first serve), Mpetshi Perricard simply lacked the rigor and application to get through.

Beaten in just under 3 hours (6-7, 7-5, 7-6, 7-6), he must now wait to join the Grand Tableau. Seeded number 1, he is the first player on the waiting list, which means that the next time he forfeits, he'll be the one to enter the draw.