Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard is the latest rising force in the sport and it’s not just the stats he’s working up to. The young Frenchman established his base on the tour in 2024 and is looking to join the likes of other young bloods, Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz. Standing tall at 6’8, Perricard enjoys an unfiltered advantage over formidable competitors. His deadly service production has enabled many to put forth high claims. However, a German superstar remains skeptical of them regardless, despite acknowledging Coco Gauff‘s ex-coach’s backing.

Although the French sensation capped the 2024 season with a 16-12 win-loss record that didn’t fully reflect his potential, Perricard displayed considerable promise by bagging two titles in Lyon and Basel. He even advanced to the fourth round of Wimbledon as a lucky loser. However, what has troubled his rivals as of late is his powerful serve, one that’s earning him quite the trend in the community.

For the record, he concluded the past season with the highest shot-quality serve on the tour. According to Tennis Data Innovations in collaboration with TennisViz, the Frenchman’s serve achieved an impressive Shot Quality rating of 9.5. This stat notably surpasses that of German Alexander Zverev, who ranked second with a score of 8.87.

Subsequently, a fan page on X and Gauff’s former coach Brad Gilbert claimed that he possesses the greatest serve in history, backing the claims with suitable evidence. Boris Becker, who frequently shares his intriguing insights online with fans, disagreed regardless and responded with a skeptical question. “Are you really sure about that ?!?”

The German player-turned-coach later reposted a fan’s post that showcased a throwback of Pete Sampras winning. Logic dictates that Becker drew comparisons between the two players, asserting that Sampras’s record as the history best serves remains intact. For those unaware, the American star’s remarkable strength and his ability to deliver thunderous serve earned him the nickname ‘Pistol Pete’.

While the German has kept himself busy, Perricard too hasn’t taken his eye off the ball.

Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard “pleased” with his service speed stats in Brisbane

French sensation Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard wasted little to no time in showing why deserves to welcome success on the big stage at the Brisbane International. He sent US Open semifinalist Frances Tiafoe packing in straight sets to capture a 6-4, 7-6(4) second-round victory over the American superstar. What’s more surprising is how he managed to serve four aces during the opening game of their contest.

After hammering 20 aces during the showdown, Perricard told the fans in Brisbane: “I was very warm from the first game. I didn’t see the speed of the serves but over 230kmh is very fast, so I am pleased. It was a good match. It is never easy to play against Frances. I did well in the first set and then battled in the second. I tried to put some pressure on his second serve and it worked, so I am pleased with my performance today.”

On the same lines, renowned coach and commentator Brad Gilbert, a former top-ranked player himself, offered his perspective on the young star’s career trajectory. “He possesses the rare ability to strip control from your hands. In those mental encounters, your chances can evaporate as he keeps the pressure on your serve,” Gilbert remarked to ATPTour.com, highlighting the challenge posed by the Frenchman.

Following his second-round win, Perricard will next square off against Jakub Mensik for a place in the last four of the Brisbane opener on Friday, January 3.