“We’re working on the different aspects of the game,” said Perricard. “I trust the process.”
Perricard, who grew up in Lyon, exploded on to the tennis scene in 2024. Starting the year ranked 205, he was inside the top 30 by the end of the season, after claiming two titles – including the WTA 500 event in Basel – and reaching the fourth round at Wimbledon.
It was always going to be difficult to back up but Perricard was solid if not spectacular in 2025 and comes into this year ranked No 63.
“It was a mix of everything. It was some ups, some downs, more downs than up,” said Perricard. “But it is what it is. I did some mistakes. I’m young. I’m still learning.”
Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard has brought his power game to the ASB Classic. Photosport
Perricard made a promising start to the new season against two-time Auckland champion Bautista-Agut, who can be a difficult opponent with his accuracy and experience. The first set was over in 36 minutes, but the second was more of a battle. Perricard looked on course – serving for the match at 5-4 – before he was broken, to the crowd’s surprise.
“I [wasn’t] really thinking about losing the game,” said Perricard. “I was very upset, of course, but he did a great game. He was present, he changed his mentality for this game and that was tough for me.”
But Perricard rebounded immediately, giving Bautista-Agut no chance in the tiebreak, as he sprang to a 6-1 lead before converting his third match point.
On Wednesday, Perricard faces hometown favourite Cam Norrie in the third match of the day session. They have never faced each other on tour, although Perricard vividly recalled a practice session ahead of the 2022 French Open.
“I was around 500 in the world and he was top 10,” said Perricard. “I did a warm-up for his match. He won and he asked me to do it another one, but I wasn’t in Paris.
“It’s going to be interesting. He was and he’s still a good player. He did some great things. He won Indian Wells, he was top 10. It’s a good match-up for me to see if I have the level to beat those guys.”
2024 champion Alejandro Tabilo (Chile) is also through to the second round, after a comfortable 64 62 win over Camilo Ugo Carabelli (Argentina).
Michael Burgess has been a Sports Journalist for the New Zealand Herald since 2005, covering the Olympics, Fifa World Cups, and America’s Cup campaigns. He is a co-host of the Big League podcast.