The Brisbane International tennis tournament has kicked off the 2025 season with significant drama, particularly after the quarterfinal matchup between Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard and Jakub Mensik. The French player, who has recently gained recognition as the ATP’s Most Improved Player, delivered an impressive performance, defeating Mensik with straight sets, 7-5, 7-6(5), to secure his place in the semifinals.
Perricard, standing at 6’8", showcased exceptional skills throughout the match, finishing with 19 aces. His commanding serve has made him one of the standout competitors in this tournament, especially after also triumphing over notable players such as Nick Kyrgios and Frances Tiafoe earlier on. The victory against Mensik was achieved within 92 minutes, capped off by a stunning volley winner. Yet, it was not just the match outcome but the post-match interaction between the two players which stirred discussions online.
After the match ended, Mensik offered what many perceived as a cold handshake before making an abrupt exit from the court, leaving spectators and commentators surprised. "Not much love lost in this handshake," remarked commentator Lucie Ahl, emphasizing how peculiar the moment appeared, considering the competitive spirit typically displayed on the court. Following the brief handshake, Mensik hardly acknowledged Perricard or the audience, merely grabbing his hand and leaving without eye contact, which fueled speculation about the nature of their rivalry.
Social media users were quick to react. A fan posted the video of the handshake on the platform X, highlighting, "The handshake between Mpetshi Perricard and Mensik 🥶" Many fans criticized Mensik’s demeanor, labeling him as a sore loser and expressing disappointment over what they considered poor sportsmanship. One comment read, "Mensik not a very good sport it seems, and Perricard has a very big game. Seems the French finally have something really special, only time will tell." Others noted the pressure of competition, with one user stating, "Why do people always expect a good handshake from someone who just lost?"
The young Mensik, just 19 years old, had entered the tournament with high expectations, coming off previous victories over Dusan Lajovic and Mikhail Kukushkin. After experiencing early disappointments, including his exit at the Next Gen ATP Finals, Mensik seemed eager to prove himself. Yet, the frustration was evident during the match, as he displayed signs of irritation, including hitting his racket bag during breaks.
Perricard took the low-key post-match moment in stride. He expressed satisfaction with his performance, optimistic about the upcoming semifinal against either Reilly Opelka or Novak Djokovic, who faced off later on. Reflecting on his match against Mensik, he said, "I was not calm inside. It was difficult to hold the nerves but I did well and am pleased to have finished the match in two sets and I am proud of myself." This sentiment reflects Perricard’s resilience and maturity as he navigates the pressures of top-level tennis.
Fans are eagerly anticipating the potential semifinal match, where Perricard may face Djokovic, one of the greatest players of all time. Perricard welcomed the challenge, stating, "I think he’s the toughest on earth but I can be excited to play against Novak." This shows not only his ambition but respect for the game and its legends.
The tournament at Brisbane has now set the stage for thrilling matchups, with Perricard aiming to build on his successes and demonstrate why he is regarded as one of tennis’s rising stars. With the current narrative entangled with competitive rivalry and personal dynamics, the next matches promise to be electric.