By Tony Fairbairn
- Billy Harris [WC] def Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard [Q] 6-4 7-5
- Harris v Lorenzo Musetti | H2H: First Meeting
LONDON, ENGLAND – Billy Harris reached his first ATP 500 quarter-final with a straight sets win over Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard and will now face Lorenzo Musetti.
 |
Billy Harris [WC] def Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard [Q] 6-4 7-5
Billy Harris is into the quarter-finals at Queen’s Club after a straight sets win over French qualifier Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard. The opening set was fast-paced as Harris took time to adapt to the tall Frenchman’s big serving as Mpetshi Perricard began the match with intensity. However Harris also began the match well using the forehand to dictate play, using depth to cause the qualifier problems.
The tactical plan was clear from Harris which was to rush the erratic yet clinical backhand of Mpetshi Perricard. Eventually the plan worked as the Brit was consistent and proactive as the world number 162 broke in the seventh game for a 4-3 lead. There seemed to be no pressure on Harris’ serve as the Brit was consistent and smart as he went on to ease to the first set, 6-4.
There was a much more positive start for Mpetshi Perricard in the second set as he looked to overcome his error-prone opening set. On return, the Frenchman was more controlled as Harris had to work harder for his service holds in the second set. However, Harris was successful forehand as he continued to test the Frenchman from the baseline.
Some good volleying at the net from Mpetshi Perricard allowed the qualifier to keep the pressure on Harris. Eventually though Harris’ persistent pressure on return paid off as he produced a consistently aggressive return game to break in the eleventh game for a 6-5 lead. More immaculate serving from Harris secured the biggest win of his career and a place in the quarter-finals at Queen’s Club.
Billy Harris [WC] v Lorenzo Musetti H2H & Match Fundamentals
| Billy Harris [WC] v Lorenzo Musetti | H2H: First Meeting |
| ATP Queen’s Club 2024 | London, England |
| Grass (O) | Prize Money: €61,800 |
| Second on Centre Court (Not before 13:30 BST) | BBC IPlayer |
Harris will now face powerful Italian Lorenzo Musetti for a place in the semi-finals.
Tale of the Tape – Key Stats (2024)
| H2H: | Billy Harris (WR 162) | Lorenzo Musetti (WR 30) |
| Tournament Previous Best | QR2 (2023) | Quarter-Final (2023) |
| 1st Serve % | 63.3 | 62.6 |
| Service Games Won % | 75 | 76.1 |
| Break Points Saved % | 54.3 | 53.4 |
| 2nd Serve Return Points Won % | 45.9 | 50.6 |
| Break Points Converted % | 42.5 | 38 |
Harris will aim to keep the first serve percentage high as any second serves will be punished by the fiery Italian.
 |
Playing Styles and Prediction
Musetti has seemed to have found his form on the grass after an underwhelming season so far. The Italian defeated s-Hertogenbosch champion Alex De Minaur in the opening round and has gone from strength to strength since then as he aims to reach his first Queen’s Club semi-final.
Harris will look to continue his aggression on serve as he will use the forehand to rush Musetti’s play. Meanwhile the Italian will use the backhand to force errors from Harris’ game as he will need to be patient in order to wait for the perfect timing to go for the break. This should be a good test for Harris but Musetti should have too much experience and quality for the Brit.
Prediction: Musetti in three sets.
How to Watch/Follow ATP Queen’s Club 2024
| Live Stream | BBC Two/BBC IPlayer |
| Live Scores | Tennis Scores Powered By TNNSLIVE |
 Sign up to PBLC for free to support ongoing contributions from Britwatch Sports |
| Follow Britwatch - Sport in General, Brits in Particular! | |
|---|---|
| Soundcloud | |
| YouTube | |
| We may receive compensation for products purchased via affiliate links on this website | |