“Giovanni trusts me to make him one of the best players in the world” – Emmanuel Planque on his relationship with Mpetshi Perricard
In an interview with the ATP, Emmanuel Planque spoke about his protégé, Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard, and the special relationship between the two men
Emmanuel Planque, 2018
France’s Davis Cup team will get a look at a new player this weekend for the match against Joao Fonseca‘s Brazil in Orléans. World No 30 Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard will represent his nation for the first time later this week.
This represents the latest step in his rapid progression, after reaching the fourth round at Wimbledon and winning titles in Lyon and Basel in a breakthrough 2024.
“A very strong emotional relationship”
Almost a year ago to the day, the Lyon native lost in the first round of the Quimper Challenger against Matteo Martineau. A year later, his progress is significant and has been recognised in the ‘Most Improved Player’ award from the ATP last season.
His work with coach Emmanuel Planque seems to be bearing fruit. In a recent interview with the ATP, Planque talks about his work and his relationship with Mpetshi Perricard.
“The strength of our partnership is that we have a very strong emotional relationship and we are able to have very intimate discussions,” he explains.
“I remember a taxi ride in Rio, one evening after a victory in a Challenger tournament. It was very late, Gio had played a very long match and in the car, he confided very intimate things to me. These are moments that matter.
“Victories are ultimately the consequence of something. What interests me is the path we have taken to get there. It would be a cliché and it wouldn’t be true to say that tournament wins were our greatest moments. Victories are good, but it’s the progression that interests me.”
“This is just the beginning for Giovanni”
“The satisfaction for me is to see him develop and acquire the necessary tools to compete at the highest level. We have the feeling that this is just the beginning for Giovanni and that he will continue to progress and beat the best players.
“Giovanni confides in me something very precious. He wants to become one of the best players in the world and he chose me to accompany him in this quest. This is very valuable to me, and I have to be extremely dedicated and committed to our work.
“I spend more time with him than with my family. He is aware of this and we both make the effort to motivate each other.”
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