In an electrifying start to the ATP Dubai Championships, France's Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard delivered a stellar performance, knocking out China's Zhang Zhizhen with a convincing 6-3, 7-6(3) victory in the men's singles first round.
From the get-go, Mpetschi Perricard showcased his prowess by breaking Zhang in the fourth game of the first set and swiftly taking a 4-1 lead. Despite Zhang's resilience, saving two game points and holding serve in the sixth, the Frenchman maintained his momentum to secure the first set.
The second set saw Zhang fend off breaks in his initial six service games, pushing the match into a tense tiebreak. However, Mpetschi Perricard remained unfazed, dominating the tiebreak 7-3 and clinching the straight-sets victory.
Looking ahead, Mpetschi Perricard is set to face either top seed Daniil Medvedev of Russia or Jan-Lennard Struff of Germany in the second round, promising more thrilling tennis action for fans.
Zhang Zhizhen, currently ranked 49th globally and the highest-rated Asian player in men's singles, has faced challenges this season with first-round exits in five tournaments. Nevertheless, his performance in Dubai highlights his enduring talent and competitive spirit.
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Mpetshi Perricard knocks out Zhang Zhizhen at ATP Dubai Championships
cgtn.com
