LONDON — The 2024 Wimbledon Championships witnessed history on its hallowed grass courts as French tennis prodigy Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard obliterated the tournament’s fastest serve record, clocking a staggering 153 mph (246 km/h) thunderbolt that left spectators and opponents alike in awe.
A Record-Shattering Moment
The 20-year-old, standing at an imposing 6 feet 8 inches, unleashed the record-breaking serve during his first-round match against Spain’s Alejandro Davidovich Fokina. The previous Wimbledon record of 148 mph (238 km/h), held by American Taylor Dent since 2010, was shattered in a blink. "I didn’t even see it," admitted Davidovich Fokina after the match. "One second the ball was there, the next it was gone."
Mpetshi Perricard’s serve wasn’t just fast—it was a statement. The Frenchman, who entered Wimbledon as a wildcard, has been turning heads with his explosive power and athleticism. His record-breaking serve now places him among the elite servers in tennis history, trailing only behind the all-time record of 163.7 mph (263.4 km/h) set by Australia’s Sam Groth in 2012.
The Making of a Serve Giant
Mpetshi Perricard’s physical attributes play a pivotal role in his serving prowess. At 6’8", he generates immense leverage, allowing him to strike the ball at a steep downward angle. Combined with his fluid motion and explosive leg drive, his serve becomes nearly unreturnable. Tennis analysts have noted key factors contributing to his dominance:
- Height advantage: His reach reduces the effective reaction time for opponents.
- Biomechanics: A near-perfect kinetic chain from legs to racket head.
- Mental edge: Opponents often second-guess returns, leading to errors.
"It’s not just about speed," explained former Wimbledon champion Pat Cash in a post-match analysis. "Giovanni’s ability to disguise his serve direction makes it even deadlier. You’re guessing before the ball leaves his strings."
Reactions from the Tennis World
The tennis community erupted in praise for the young Frenchman. World No. 1 Jannik Sinner, who faced Mpetshi Perricard in the junior circuit, remarked, "I’ve seen him grow. His serve was always a weapon, but this is another level. Grass suits him perfectly."
Even legends took notice. Seven-time Wimbledon champion Roger Federer, commentating for the BBC, called it "a serve that redefines what’s possible on grass." Meanwhile, Mpetshi Perricard remained humble: "I just focused on my rhythm. The speed surprised me too."
The Science Behind the Speed
Sports scientists have dissected the serve, noting its near-perfect mechanics. Dr. Emily Smith, a biomechanics expert at Loughborough University, explained: "At contact, his racket head speed exceeded 130 mph, with a ball compression of nearly 30%. That’s like hitting a brick wall at highway speeds."
The serve’s impact was measurable beyond speed. Hawk-Eye data revealed:
- Ball trajectory: Cleared the net by just 1.2 inches (3 cm).
- Bounce height: Kicked up to 7 feet (2.1 m), forcing returns at shoulder level.
- Spin rate: Minimal slice, maximizing speed.
What’s Next for the French Phenom?
Mpetshi Perricard’s Wimbledon run ended in the third round, but his serve has cemented his reputation. Coaches predict he’ll break Groth’s all-time record within two years. "He’s just scratching the surface," said his coach, Sébastien Grosjean.
As the tennis world buzzes about this new serving giant, one thing is clear: Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard has announced his arrival—with a record-shattering bang. "This won’t be the last record he breaks," Grosjean added. For now, Wimbledon’s speed gun has a new king.