Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard gets frosty after setting sights on Novak Djokovic showdown | Tennis | Sport

Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard was left in shock after receiving a frosty handshake from his rival at the Brisbane International.

The big-serving 6’8 Frenchman beat Jakub Mensik in two tight sets to advance to the semi-final and set up a potential meeting with Novak Djokovic.

But he was surprised when Mensik barely stopped for the handshake, making a hasty exit from the court.

Mpetshi Perricard announced himself last season, starting the year outside the top 200 and ending it as the world No. 31, lifting two titles. His efforts earned him the ATP’s Most Improved Player award.

The 21-year-old has carried his form into the new season and is now through to the last four at his first tournament of the year. Mpetshi Perricard needed an hour and 32 minutes to get past teen star Mensik on Friday.

He got the job done 7-5 7-6(5), sealing victory with a volley winner. The Frenchman waited for Mensik at the net, but the 19-year-old barely stopped for the handshake and didn’t look at Mpetshi Perricard as he quickly grabbed his hand and walked off.

The world No. 31 was clearly taken aback by the cold gesture, raising his eyebrows in disbelief. “Not much love lost in that handshake,” commentator Lucie Ahl noted.

Mensik had already been frustrated with himself during the match, hitting his racket bag during the change of ends in the tiebreak. And he quickly walked off the court, barely stopping to wave goodbye to the fans.

Co-commentator Arvind Palmer added: “Frustration for Mensik, that was obvious to see throughout the match. And the handshake there and the walk-off, pretty quick.”

Mpetshi Perricard quickly shook off the frosty handshake, and he will now turn his attention to Saturday’s semi-final, where he could face Djokovic. The Serb takes on another giant server – Reilly Opelka – in his own quarter-final.

If he advances, it will be Mpetshi Perricard’s first meeting with the 24-time Grand Slam champion. And he’s welcoming the challenge.

“I think he’s the toughest on earth but I can be excited to play a match against Novak,” the 21-year-old said. “He’s an unbelievable player, he’s did so many good things. So I can be just excited.

“Novak is one of my inspirations growing up. Not my favourite one! But one of my inspirations for what he did during his career. If he wins I can be very happy to play against him.”

The French star has been keeping an eye on his path to the final and was well aware he could meet Djokovic in the semis.

After his second-round win on Thursday, he said: “I saw I wasn’t in his draw until the semis. I was like, ‘Whew, okay’. Yeah, I think it’s going to be a good match if I’m playing against him.”