It doesn't get much better than winning your first ATP Tour title, but Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard's maiden trophy was even more special because it came in his hometown of Lyon. What's more, the 20-year-old saved a match point against Tomas Martin Etcheverry in Saturday's Open Parc final.
The home favourite battled to a 6-4, 1-6, 7-6(7) win in the ATP 250 title match to claim glory in just his fourth tour-level event. It is the second year in a row that a young French star has triumphed in Lyon, after Arthur Fils also won his maiden ATP Tour crown there last year.
ATPTour.com caught up with Mpetshi Perricard to discuss the meaning of the moment, those who helped him get there and more.
What does it mean to you to win your first ATP Tour title?
It means a lot. A lot of dedication, a lot of hard training, a lot of questions about my game. But I'm very happy to win this one in Lyon especially, my hometown. I did well since the beginning against Sonego. It was up and down matches but very happy to get the win.
How special is it to do it in front of your home crowd?
It's very beautiful for me to win in front of my family, in front of my friends, in front of a lot of people in tennis in Lyon. It's better to have people behind you than against you. Thanks to them, They helped me to win this one.
Were you inspired at all by your countryman Arthur Fils winning Lyon last year? Have you spoken to him for any advice?
We spoke but not about this (laughs). I knew he won this one, but we didn't talk about this tournament or anything else about tennis.
How will you celebrate this victory?
Maybe at a restaurant, it depends. I will watch the football game [Lyon vs. PSG in the Coupe de France final] tonight.
Could you take a moment to acknowledge some of the key figures in your life who have helped you to reach this milestone?
My coach obviously, Manu [Emmanuel Planque], he helped me a lot this week. Two years ago when I started with him, it was a big key for me and I hope we are going to continue like this.
How would you describe yourself as a player, and how would you describe yourself off-court?
As a player calm, sometimes not calm (laughs), but a little mix of everything. We can say that. Off-court, kind... I don't know. You have to ask my friends!
What is your biggest passion outside of tennis?
Football. I watch a lot of football because I'm a big fan of Olympique Lyonnais. I like to play video games, that helps me on the road. I like to take time, enjoy life, enjoy with my friends. I am 20 years old so I still have the rest of my life.
You've said before that you enjoy superhero movies. If you could have the abilities of any superhero character, who would it be and why?
Superman, because he's unbelievable. No weakness. I will take Superman.
How do you get yourself pumped up for big matches like today's final? Do you have any pre-match superstitions, or do you listen to any particular music?
I have some. I listen every time to the same music before the match, especially rap music puts me in a good mood. Tennis is like boxing, it's 1 v. 1. I have to be in a good mood to be ready to play my game.
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