Tennis

Wimbledon 2024 has witnessed the emergence of several unheralded players eager to make their mark on the hallowed grass courts. Among them, Frenchman Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard and New Zealand's Lulu Sun have captured the attention of tennis enthusiasts with their remarkable performances.Perricard, a lucky loser in the qualifying rounds, defied the odds to reach the fourth round. His journey was marked by a series of impressive victories, including a stunning upset over 2024 Australian Open finalist Qinwen Zheng.Sun, a 23-year-old qualifier, also made history by becoming the first New Zealander to reach the women's quarterfinals at Wimbledon since Chris Lewis in 1983. Her run included a memorable victory over 2021 US Open champion Emma Raducanu in the fourth round.Sun's global upbringing has shaped her unique perspective on the game. Born to a Chinese mother and Croatian father, she was raised in Switzerland and attended college in the United States. Her diverse experiences have instilled in her a deep appreciation for the global nature of tennis."It wasn't an easy decision [to choose New Zealand]," Sun said after her victory over Raducanu. "But I'm grateful for everything that Swiss tennis has done for me. I'm also grateful for Tennis New Zealand for their support."Sun's success at Wimbledon has not only been a personal triumph but also a source of inspiration for her home country. Her journey has ignited a renewed passion for tennis in New Zealand and has shown that anything is possible with hard work and determination.

Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard, the 6'8" French sensation, has taken Wimbledon by storm with his monstrous serves, leaving opponents bewildered and fans in awe. As the first men's lucky loser to reach the fourth round since 1995, Mpetshi Perricard has showcased his immense power and determination.His opponents have been left in disbelief, with Sebastian Korda admitting, "There wasn't much to do, just guess where the ball was going." Emil Ruusuvuori echoed the sentiment, calling Mpetshi Perricard "a very tricky opponent on this surface."Mpetshi Perricard's serve has been the talk of the tournament, with the Frenchman joining Ivo Karlovic and John Isner as the only players to tally 100 aces through three rounds in the past decade. Against Korda, he fired 51 aces, while against Nishioka and Ruusuvuori, he recorded 27 aces each.Despite his towering height, Mpetshi Perricard is not just a one-dimensional power hitter. He has shown finesse and variety in his game, particularly with his volleying, which proved crucial against Korda. He also credits his improved return game for his success on the clay in Lyon.Mpetshi Perricard's breakthrough in the last two months has been remarkable, winning the title in Lyon and emulating Arthur Fils' achievement. His ranking is set to climb to 44th, ensuring his participation in major events in the future.While French players are often known for their flair, Mpetshi Perricard's stature and power have set him apart. He is keen to improve his two-handed backhand, taking inspiration from John Isner's game.Despite the challenges of Wimbledon's unpredictable weather, Mpetshi Perricard remains confident and excited for his upcoming match against Lorenzi Musetti. With his powerful serve and growing confidence, he is a force to be reckoned with and a potential dark horse in the tournament.

Sebastian Korda's Wimbledon hopes were dashed by the formidable serve of lucky loser Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard, who stunned the 20th seed in a thrilling five-set battle.Mpetshi Perricard, a 6-foot-8 Frenchman, unleashed a barrage of 51 aces and 93 winners, leaving Korda helpless on many occasions. The match was a testament to Mpetshi Perricard's exceptional athleticism and serve-and-volley prowess.Despite Korda's experience and promising grass-court form, Mpetshi Perricard's serve proved too much to handle. The Frenchman saved all 11 break points he faced and hit three aces in the final game to seal the victory.Mpetshi Perricard's rise has been meteoric. Just two months ago, he won his first ATP title in his hometown of Lyon. His unique combination of height, athleticism, and a powerful forehand has earned him comparisons to the future of tennis.While his return game needs improvement, Mpetshi Perricard's athleticism allows him to cover the court with ease. He is also willing to come to the net, adding another dimension to his game.Mpetshi Perricard's victory is a reminder that the future of tennis is in good hands. His serve-and-volley style, combined with his athleticism and willingness to take risks, could make him a force to be reckoned with on the ATP Tour.