Daniil Medvedev makes bold Grand Slam claim about Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard: "It might be difficult... I think he could do it"
Daniil Medvedev joined Carlos Alcaraz in praising rising star Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard. He noted that while the competition on the ATP Tour is fierce, the Frenchman has the potential to claim a Grand Slam title in the future.
Alcaraz recently commended Mpetshi Perricard's powerful service game in a media interaction at the Paris Masters. The Spaniard's comments come on the heels of the World No. 31's victory over Ben Shelton to secure the Swiss Indoors Basel title.
Medvedev has also weighed in on Mpetshi Perricard's potential. Speaking to the press in Paris, the Russian said he believes his colleague could soon break into the Top 10. Notably, the 21-year-old currently leads the ATP Stats Leaderboard in serving, averaging an impressive 18.6 aces per match.
"Yes, I think he could be a top-10 player," the Russian said. "He's not far. He's 40, 30 now with his title. I don't know where he is now. As for a Grand Slam, it won't be easy for him. Even in Basel he had four deciders, so it's a five-setter in a Grand Slam. He could win. And from the baseline, he plays quite well. Even for 102 kilos he plays really well. It might be more difficult for him than others."
"He plays well. Is he the best server on the tour? Yes, he might be. And maybe when he comes back, we can ask him about this. I saw stats that his second-serve ball is quite fast, so yeah, I think he could do it," he continued.
Daniil Medvedev and Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard face similar Paris Masters fate as they crash out in 2R
Daniil Medvedev and Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard made early exits in the second round of the Paris Masters. Alexei Popyrin edged out the former in a close 4-6, 6-2, 6-7(4) battle, while the latter, after defeating Frances Tiafoe in the first round, fell 7-6(12), 1-6, 4-6 to Karen Khachanov.
Medvedev later expressed disappointment over missed chances that could have shifted the outcome. He also took a moment to commend Popyrin for his strong performance and well-deserved victory.
"Tough match. Could have done a lot better. But at the same time, had my chances and didn't use them," the Russian said.
He added:
"That's basically it. He played -- I mean, I don't know if he played well, but he won the match, so great for him. He has a chance to go more forward, to play good and et cetera, and I don't have this chance."