Mpetshi Perricard beats Shelton to lift his first ATP 500 crown

Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard completed a perfect week of sizzling serving on Sunday to upset Ben Shelton and lift the trophy at the Swiss Indoors Basel on Sunday.

The 21-year-old and No. 50 in ATP Rankings prevailed in straight sets 6-4, 7-6(4) against the sixth-seeded Shelton to become the lowest-ranked champion since Basel became a tour-level event in 1975.

The 6’8” Frenchman hit 22 aces in the championship match to clinch his maiden ATP 500 crown without dropping serve all week.

“It’s amazing to win a tournament like that, a 500, for the first time for me,” said Mpetshi Perricard, who arrived in Basel having lost eight of his previous nine matches. “I just can be happy with myself, with what I did today and the past five days. It’s amazing to win here… [Before this] it was a tough month for me, but it’s always good when the victories are there.”

“On this surface, of course my serve is a good weapon for me, but I try to be aggressive from the baseline and put some pressure on the opponent,” reflected Mpetshi Perricard. “I’m very happy [because it was] a big part of my game this week.”

“My goal was to win a 250 or a 500, but to win both is amazing,” said the Frenchman, when asked about his rapid rise. “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.”

After lifting his second ATP Tour trophy, and his first ATP 500, Mpetshi Perricard ensured he will on Monday rise to a career-high World No. 31. The 21-year-old, who lifted an ATP 250 crown in Lyon earlier this year, has made the biggest jump into the Top 50 of the PIF ATP Rankings this year after beginning 2024 as the World No. 205.