Bonne Fin: Mpetshi Perricard superfan left elated after French hero’s debut at Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships
Photos of Makar and Mpetshi Perricard autograph by Dubai Eye 103.8FM
Little nine-year-old Makar was vocal in his support for big-serving Frenchman throughout his compatriot’s second-round defeat to 2023 Dubai champion Medvedev on Centre Court
With help from Tournament organisers and ATP officials, distraught youngster is left smiling gleefully after receiving personalised signed message from his new hero
Dubai, UAE – February 27, 2025: While Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard’s debut at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships came to an end at the hands of top seed Daniil Medvedev on Wednesday, the young Frenchman can hold his head high given his popularity continues to soar.
Mpetshi Perricard, widely regarded as one of the most promising and powerful players on the ATP Tour, battled bravely against World No6 Medvedev in a pulsating Round of 16 clash on Centre Court before eventually succumbing to a 6-4, 6-4 defeat.
But the hard-hitting 21-year-old’s impact on the tournament did not go unnoticed: Consistently delivering serves that exceeded the 230kph mark. Only a masterclass on the art of returning big serves from 2023 Dubai champion Medvedev prevented a last-eight spot for Mpetshi Perricard.
Despite suffering defeat, he wasn’t short of admirers – and the loudest of them all was a nine-year-old compatriot called Makar. To say Makar is a Mpetshi Perricard superfan is an understatement. He could be heard shouting “Come on Perricard” from the stands throughout the 82-minute contest and then waited eagerly for his hero’s autograph following the conclusion of the match.
When his wait failed to bear fruit, the young boy was understandably – and vocally – devastated. He had desperately wanted his Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships hat signed by his hero. Collaborative efforts behind the scenes from Dubai Eye 103.8FM, Tournament organisers, and ATP officials ensured the young boy did not leave empty handed, receiving a personalised message from his big-hitting compatriot written in marker onto his treasured cap.
Upon receiving the signed merchandise, a jubilant Makar said with a big smile stretched across his face: “Thank you so much,” before emphatically proclaiming himself Mpetshi Perricard’s biggest fan. Dad Benjamin added: “Makar wants to be a tennis player too, so this has been a good experience for him and a [big] motivation to watch players like Giovanni while learning to speak English as well. Tennis is an amazing sport.”
And while there was no fairytale ending for Mpetshi Perricard on his Dubai debut, the fact he is inspiring young children such as Makar to pick up a racquet and grow their love for the game should give him every reason to smile, too.
The 33rd staging of the ATP Tour 500 tournament at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships is taking place from February 24 to March 1, is owned and organised by Dubai Duty Free, and held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.
