Hamad Medjedovic Defeats Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard In Barcelona Open

In a thrilling encounter at the 2025 Barcelona Open Banc Sabadell, Hamad Medjedovic emerged victorious against Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard in the Round of 32, winning in straight sets with a score of 7-5, 7-6. The match, held on April 14, 2025, showcased the resilience and skill of the Serbian qualifier, who has been making waves on the ATP circuit.

Medjedovic, currently ranked No. 72 in the world, displayed a strong performance throughout the match, overcoming a challenging second set where Mpetshi Perricard had a set point. This victory marks a significant moment for Medjedovic, who had previously faced disappointment at the Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters just a week prior, where he was eliminated in the qualifying round.

Before this match, Medjedovic had defeated Gabriel Diallo 6-4, 6-4 in the qualifying rounds, demonstrating his readiness for the main draw. His clay court record over the past year stands at an impressive 15-8, indicating his comfort on this surface. Medjedovic's serve has been particularly effective, boasting an 80.9% win rate on his service games and converting 35.2% of break points.

On the other hand, Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard, ranked No. 30, has had a rough start to the clay season. This loss marks his fourth consecutive defeat, following a disappointing exit in the first round at Monte-Carlo against Jordan Thompson. Despite his talent, Mpetshi Perricard has struggled to find his rhythm, winning only one of his last six matches, and that was due to an opponent's retirement.

The match itself was a showcase of tension and skill, with both players exchanging powerful shots and strategic plays. The first set saw Medjedovic take an early lead, but Mpetshi Perricard fought back, demonstrating his determination. However, Medjedovic's consistency and tactical prowess ultimately led him to clinch the first set 7-5.

As the second set unfolded, Mpetshi Perricard found himself in a critical position, earning a set point at one stage. Yet, Medjedovic's ability to stay composed under pressure allowed him to battle back, forcing the set into a tiebreak. The tiebreak was a nail-biter, filled with intense rallies and crucial points, but Medjedovic's experience shone through as he secured the set 7-6.

Post-match, Medjedovic expressed his satisfaction with the victory, stating, "I felt good on the court today. Giovanni is a tough opponent, and I had to stay focused, especially in the second set where he pushed me hard. Winning this match gives me great confidence moving forward in the tournament." His performance today not only advances him to the next round but also solidifies his status as a rising star on the ATP tour.

Mpetshi Perricard, reflecting on his recent struggles, commented, "It’s been a tough few weeks for me. I had chances today, especially in the second set, but I need to work on closing out those moments. I’ll take this as a learning experience and aim to bounce back stronger." His determination to improve is evident, and fans will be watching closely to see how he responds in upcoming tournaments.

The Barcelona Open Banc Sabadell, known for its competitive field and beautiful clay courts, continues to draw top talent from around the world. As the tournament progresses, all eyes will be on Medjedovic to see if he can carry this momentum into the later rounds. His next match will be crucial as he aims to capitalize on this victory and make a deeper run in the tournament.

With the clay season just getting underway, both players will need to adjust their strategies and focus on their strengths. Medjedovic’s win today sets a positive tone for his campaign, while Mpetshi Perricard will be eager to turn things around as he seeks to regain his form. The excitement of the Barcelona Open is just heating up, and fans can expect more thrilling matches as the tournament unfolds.