Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard has announced the end of his collaboration with his coach, Emmanuel Planque, marking a significant change in the Frenchman’s career. This decision comes after a challenging start to 2026 and follows four years of coaching together during which Mpetshi Perricard made significant progress on the ATP Tour.
Known for his powerful serve, which averaged 134.4 mph last season, Mpetshi Perricard enjoyed a breakthrough year in 2024, but has faced difficulties in maintaining that level in 2025 and early 2026.
Achievements and Reflections on the Partnership with Emmanuel Planque
Mpetshi Perricard reached a career-high ATP ranking of 29 after claiming titles in Lyon and Basel, accomplishments that were achieved under the guidance of Planque. Their collaboration began when Mpetshi Perricard was ranked outside the top 1000, and under Planque’s mentorship, he climbed to number 56 before this split.
In his statement on Instagram, Mpetshi Perricard expressed gratitude for his coach’s dedication and support, highlighting the personal and professional growth he experienced during their time together.
After 4 years of working together, my collaboration with Emmanuel Planque has ended,
Mpetshi Perricard wrote on Instagram.
Manu, I thank you for the work done and your total commitment which have allowed me to grow, not only as a tennis player, but also as a person. This step will mean a lot in my journey. Giovanni.
Recent Challenges and Injury Setback
Their partnership concluded amid a difficult period for the player. During the ATP 250 event in Montpellier, Mpetshi Perricard was forced to retire after an unusual injury where he accidentally hit himself in the eye with the ball.
Fortunately, the injury was not severe, allowing him to return to competitive tennis just a week later. Despite the setback, Mpetshi Perricard remains focused as he prepares for the upcoming tournaments.
What Lies Ahead for Mpetshi Perricard on the ATP Tour?
Looking forward, Mpetshi Perricard will make his return to the court at the Rotterdam Open, a tournament where he faces a challenging first-round match against Dutch player Tallon Griekspoor, to whom he lost their only previous encounter. This match is scheduled for Tuesday, February 10.
The Rotterdam Open will feature top seed Alex de Minaur, adding to the competitive field as Mpetshi Perricard aims to regain momentum without his longtime coach. This period marks a pivotal moment in his career as he navigates the next phase independently.
