Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard is making a splash this season. The 21-year-old Frenchman has become the new ace-king of the ATP Tour. Averaging an impressive 18.5 aces per match. This year, he stormed into his first ATP 500 final in Basel, showcasing his powerful serve. With a career-high ranking of No. 37, Mpetshi Perricard has risen from outside the top 200 and secured his first tour-level title in Lyon, holding a strong 45-24 match record. However, he’s not doing it alone!

Meet, Emmanuel Planque! A coach with over 30 years of coaching experience. He’s known for transforming raw talent into competitive athletes. Often called “Manu,” he brings a fresh, innovative approach to coaching. Before becoming a coaching legend, he was a player himself. And this background gives him a unique perspective on the game.

Planque’s technique when it comes it coaching

Although Planque’s playing days might not be as famous as his coaching career, they certainly laid the groundwork for his approach. Over the years, he has coached several notable players, including Lucas Pouille, Corentin Moutet, Michael Llodra, Fabrice Santoro, and Guillaume Rufin. Each of these athletes has benefited from Planque’s unique insights and strategies. Which stem from his own experiences on the court.

Since teaming up in 2022, their partnership has sparked some serious growth. Standing at an impressive 6 feet 8 inches, Mpetshi has shifted from a baseline rallying style—often inspired by his idol Rafael Nadal—to a more aggressive two- or three-strike game. This change is key as he gears up to face heavyweights like Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner. Planque’s coaching style is all about technical soundness, especially for tall players like Perricard. He emphasizes early ball contact and generating pace on first shots. This focus ensures that Mpetshi can hold his own against faster opponents while making the most of his height advantage.

Manu comes with a legacy of success

Before guiding Mpetshi Perricard, Planque had already made waves with other notable players. His work with Lucas Pouille is particularly noteworthy. Under his mentorship, Pouille reached the semifinals of the Australian Open and broke into the ATP Top 10. Under Planque’s mentorship, Pouille enhanced his mental game and strategy, enabling him to handle the pressure of facing one of tennis’s greatest. One of the most memorable moments in Pouille’s career came during the 2016 US Open when he faced off against the legendary Rafael Nadal in the Round of 16. In a stunning upset, Pouille defeated Nadal in a thrilling five-set match.

Planque’s coaching philosophy is rooted in fostering a passion for the sport. Alongside that he also instills discipline and resilience in his players that shows on the court! He believes in creating an environment where athletes feel empowered to take risks and learn from their mistakes—a crucial aspect of development at any level.

Perricard’s current season with Planque

As for Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard’s current season, he is making headlines as the new ace-king of the ATP Tour. This season has been transformative for Mpetshi Perricard. Alongside this impressive ranking rise, he also claimed his maiden tour-level title in Lyon earlier this year and has maintained a solid match record with 37 wins out of 52 matches played.

Currently, Perricard is set to face Emil Ruusuvuori in an upcoming match, and fans are eager to see how he performs. At the Swiss Indoors, he showcased his powerful serve and impressive skills, reaching the semifinals after defeating Alex de Minaur with a score of 7-6(5), 6-4. Although he ultimately fell to Holger Rune in the semifinals with a close score of 6-4, 7-6(4), his performance solidified his status as a rising star. If he continues this impressive run, there’s a strong chance he’ll qualify for the ATP Finals

With Planque by his side, the future looks bright as they tackle the challenges of modern tennis together. Only time will tell how far they can go before the season ends. Will Perricard come out on top with Planque’s guidance? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!