Mpetshi Perricard and Zhang Set for Clash in Dubai

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard, currently ranked No. 29, will face Zhizhen Zhang, ranked No. 49, in the Round of 32 at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships on Monday, February 24. The match is poised to be an intense showdown on hard courts, with Mpetshi Perricard entering as the favorite at -130 odds against Zhang’s +100.

The Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships will take place at the Aviation Club Tennis Centre. According to recent statistics, Mpetshi Perricard boasts an impressive 56.5% implied probability to win the match, while Zhang is close behind with an implied probability of 50.0% based on the moneyline odds. This matchup follows Mpetshi Perricard’s extended break after competing in the Australian Open and a recent illness that led to his withdrawal from a tournament in Rotterdam.

Historically, the two players have met once before, with Zhang achieving victory in a straight sets match at the Cincinnati event last year, winning 6-3, 7-6. However, Mpetshi Perricard’s recent form has shown notable improvement since that encounter.

Mpetshi Perricard’s current season record stands at 0-1, having navigated through challenges early in the year but is now eager to make a mark in Dubai. His aces per match average sits at a notable 19.0, while his break points won statistic remains at 0. Comparatively, Zhang holds a match record of 2-5 for the 2025 season, with a lower ace rate of 8.9 but managed to win 8 break points thus far this season.

This upcoming match not only presents an opportunity for Mpetshi Perricard to redeem himself from the previous defeat against Zhang but also serves as a critical step in solidifying his ranking as he prepares for major upcoming tournaments. The match is expected to be closely contested, particularly focusing on each player’s serve strategy and their ability to handle pressure.

“This will be a battle of serves, and I need to perform my best to take on a player like Zhang,” Mpetshi Perricard stated in a recent press conference. As both players look to establish dominance early in their respective seasons, fans can expect an exhilarating match filled with powerful serving and intense rallies.