By Tony Fairbairn
- Billy Harris [WC] def Tomas Martin Etcheverry 6-4 3-6 6-3
- Harris v Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard [Q] | H2H: First Meeting
LONDON, ENGLAND – Billy Harris earned the biggest win of his career with a three set win over Tomas Martin Etcheverry and will now face Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard in the second round of Queen’s Club.
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Billy Harris [WC] def Tomas Martin Etcheverry 6-4 3-6 6-3
Billy Harris earned the biggest victory of his career after defeating world number 32 Tomas Martin Etcheverry in three sets to reach the second round at Queen’s Club. The world number 162 has been in fine form over the last six months and showed early signs of that with some world-class net play, being proactive and aggressive.
The Argentinian responded with some consistent depth and aggression of his own as he was forced to save two break points in the third game. Both players continued to be efficient on serve but it was the Brit who took his game to the next level as the set went on. In the ninth game, Harris improved his anticipation skills and was always in control of the rallies, dictating play on the forehand. The wildcard converted break point with a well-executed drop shot before wrapping up the set to love.
There was no holding back from Harris at the beginning of the second set as the Brit produced a variety of forehand winners to pin Martin Etcheverry behind the baseline. However the Argentinian raised his level at the start of the second set producing efficient shots at the net as he worked the angles well. A consistent and aggressive start from Martin Etcheverry was rewarded as he broke in the fourth and consolidated his serve to take a 4-1 lead.
The Argentinian’s defence was stubborn and resistant as Harris had to work hard to keep holding serve. However the Brit remained clutch in the big moments on serve as the world number 32 was forced to serve out the opening set. An ace sealed a hold to love as Martin Etcheverry forced a deciding set with Harris needing to be more aggressive in the final set.
That aggressive side to Harris’ game was evident in the final set as he forced Martin Etcheverry behind the baseline. Both players continued to cover a lot of ground as the Brit was beating his opponent as his own game by outsmarting the Argentinian. After wasting three break points, Harris broke on his fourth opportunity before holding to love to take a 3-0 lead.
After suffering a nasty fall in the fourth game, Harris refocused to threaten a second break of serve as he had three break points on Martin Etcheverry’s serve. However some big serving saw Martin Etcheverry save break points as he forced the world number 162 to serve for the match.
Serve out the match Harris did as the Brit earned the biggest win of his career to earn a place in the second round at Queen’s Club.
Billy Harris [WC] v Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard [Q] H2H & Match Fundamentals
| Billy Harris [WC] v Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard [Q] | H2H: First Meeting |
| ATP Queen’s Club 2024 | London, England |
| Grass (O) | Prize Money: €32,990 |
| Third on Centre Court (15:00 BST) | BBC IPlayer |
Harris now has a winnable second round match as he plays French rising star Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard.
Tale of the Tape – Key Stats (2024)
| H2H: | Billy Harris (WR 162) | Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard (WR 67) |
| Tournament Previous Best | QR2 (2023) | N/A |
| 1st Serve % | 63.3 | 67.8 |
| Service Games Won % | 75 | 86.8 |
| Break Points Saved % | 54.3 | 65 |
| 2nd Serve Return Points Won % | 45.9 | 42.1 |
| Break Points Converted % | 42.5 | 44.7 |
Harris will need to be more aggressive against Mpetshi Perricard with the Frenchman having impressive numbers on serve and return.
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Playing Styles and Prediction
Mpetshi Perricard is one of the rising starts of the ATP tour with the 20 year-old rising up the rankings with back-to-back Challenger titles in Mexico in April which was followed by reaching the final in Lyon. Now at 67 in the world, the Frenchman is getting used to playing on grass as he enters this match having knocked out Ben Shelton in the opening round.
Harris will aim to be aggressive on the forehand as he will need to be consistent and aggressive on serve. Meanwhile Mpetshi Perricard will continue to be aggressive on serve as he aims to frustrate Harris from the baseline with his raw power. This will be a tough match for Harris but he can use his grass court experience to test the Frenchman’s movement.
Prediction: Harris in three sets.
How to Watch/Follow ATP Queen’s Club 2024
| Live Stream | BBC Two/BBC IPlayer |
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