Daniil Medvedev concluded the first-ever appearance of French player Giovanni Mpetitchi Péricard at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships. Although the young French talent was defeated, he can take pride in his performance as his popularity continues to soar. Péricard is widely regarded as one of the most promising and powerful players on the ATP Tour, and he showcased his potential in a thrilling Round of 16 match against world number 6, Medvedev, on the main court. Despite giving it his all, Péricard ultimately lost with a score of 6-4, 6-4.
.jpeg)
The 21-year-old Frenchman’s impact during the match was undeniable. He fired off serves regularly exceeding speeds of 230 km/h, a testament to his powerful game. However, Medvedev, who was the defending champion of the 2023 Dubai tournament, demonstrated remarkable skill in handling the strong serves. The Russian’s ability to neutralize Péricard’s power and his tactical precision prevented the French player from breaking through his defenses, denying Péricard the opportunity to reach the quarterfinals.
Although Péricard’s run in the tournament was short, he earned the admiration of many fans. Among his most passionate supporters was 9-year-old Makhar, who traveled all the way from France just to watch his hero compete. Makhar’s excitement was palpable throughout the 82-minute match, as he cheered for Péricard nonstop. After the match ended, Makhar waited eagerly, hoping to get an autograph from the player he so admired.
Unfortunately, Makhar’s efforts did not bear fruit, and his disappointment was visible on his face as he had desperately wished to get Péricard’s signature on his cap. Nevertheless, the tournament organizers and ATP officials worked behind the scenes to ensure that the young fan would not leave empty-handed. They arranged for a signed personal message from Péricard to be given to Makhar on his cap, much to the boy’s delight.
The moment Makhar received the signed cap, his face lit up with a wide smile. His father, Benjamin, expressed how meaningful the experience was for his son, saying, “Makhar wants to become a tennis player too, so this was an incredible experience for him. It’s a huge motivation for him to watch players like Giovanni.”
While Péricard’s stay in Dubai was short-lived, his ability to inspire children like Makhar to take up the sport and fuel their passion for tennis is a significant achievement. In a sport that often requires dedication and persistence, Péricard’s influence on young fans is a proud reminder of the broader impact athletes can have beyond the court.
The 33rd edition of the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships for men (500 points) is organized and owned by Dubai Duty Free, under the generous patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President of the UAE, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai.
0 comments:
Post a Comment