ATP/WTA: Mpetshi Perricard leads firing young guns

Mpetshi Perricard's meteoric rise continues

The breakout 2024 campaign of Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard took another almighty step as he pipped Ben Shelton 6-4, 7-6(4) to lift the prestigious Basel trophy on Sunday.

Three seeds couldn’t derail the 6'8" Frenchman, who didn’t drop serve all week to become the lowest-ranked (No.50) champion in the Swiss indoors event's history.

Recently it's been a different tale for the 21-year-old, having lost eight of his previous nine matches prior to heading to Basel.

“It’s amazing to win a tournament like that, a 500, for the first time for me,” said Mpetshi Perricard, clattering 22 aces past No.6 seed Shelton in the final.

“I just can be happy with myself, with what I did today and the past five days. It’s amazing to win here… Before here it was a tough month for me, but it’s always good when the victories are there.”

Mpetshi Perricard, also champion on home courts of Lyon back in May, began 2024 at world No.205 and has now launched up to a career-high No.31. 

“My goal was to win a 250 or a 500, but to win both is amazing,” said the Frenchman. “Of course, I’m focused on what I can improve in my game, a lot of things in training. The work paid off, and I’m really happy.”

Draper fends off in-from Khachanov

US Open semi-finalist Jack Draper also tasted maiden ATP 500 glory with a 6-4, 7-5 passage past Karen Khachanov in the Vienna Open final.

"To win my first ATP 500, it feels incredible," said the British No.1. "I am incredibly happy and so proud of myself and my team. It’s for moments like this, so I am going to enjoy it.”

Khachanov arrived on court on an eight-match winning streak after clinching the Almaty trophy in his previous event and the 28-year-old reeled in Draper from 0-4 down in the second set. However, Draper held his nerve to prevail in straight sets for his second title.

“I was playing so good, and then the momentum shifted,” said the 22-year-old. “That’s a testament to how good he is, he’s a fighter and he’s in great form.

“It got really tight there, but I stayed solid and in a good mental frame. Luckily I was able to come through, it was a relief."

Draper boosts his impressive season tally to 37-21, rising up to a career-high world No.15 on Monday.

Zheng revels in full circle moment 

Ever since the 2022 Tokyo Open the tennis tour has been enthralled by the dynamism and engaging game of Zheng Qinwen.

Two years ago the Chinese youngster was runner-up, but this time Zheng flipped the script with a 7-6(5), 6-3 scoreboard over Sofia Kenin to take home a fifth WTA title.

"I really appreciate that I’m able to fight through and be the champion in Tokyo," said Zheng. "This is the one I wanted to get when I was 19 years old. I fight so hard, but I didn’t, I lost in the final. So this year, I’m just really happy." 

The world No.7, Australian Open finalist and Paris Olympics gold medallist this year, has now been hailed champion three times this season. The second half of 2024 has been particularly head-turning. Since Wimbledon, the 22-year-old has posted a 28-4 match record, with a first WTA 1000 final included over in Wuhan.  

As a result, Zheng has qualified for the season-ending WTA Finals early next month.

"All the players in Riyadh are really tough to beat," said Zheng. "Since the first match, need to be focused. It’s the first time for me to play in the WTA Finals. I was so motivated. But let’s see what’s going to happen."

Danilovic ends six-year drought

Falling to her back in disbelief, Olga Danilovic was a WTA champion once again.

Before heading to the Guangzhou Open in China, the Serbian hadn’t ventured beyond the Last 16 at a tour-level hard court tournament.

On Sunday, the 23-year-old stormed past Caroline Dolehide 6-3, 6-1 for her first WTA trophy since 2018.

"I'm so happy. the way I played the whole week, the whole tournament," said Danilovic, up 34 places to world No.52. "I'm so proud of myself and my team. I showed what I can do and prove it to myself, very excited to be finishing the season this way."