Giovanni is clear about it: he wants to be one of the best in the world
Emmanuel Planque, a coach currently accompanying Mpetshi Perricard, explains the relationship they have and the challenges entailed in such a high-profile project.
The ATP had no doubt in honoring Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard as the most improved player of 2024, a man who started the year outside the top 200 with no professional experience but ended in the top 30 with two titles to his name and a fourth-round appearance at Wimbledon. Much will be said about his height, his physique, his serve, but not as much about his coach, the man who guided him along that path. Emmanuel Planque, a coaching veteran, discussed his current situation in an article by ATP.
“The strength of our partnership lies in having a very strong emotional bond; we can have truly intimate discussions. I always remember a taxi ride at the Rio ATP, one night after a Challenger victory, where Gio had played a very long match until late into the night. During that ride, he shared very personal things with me, those are the moments that truly matter,” confesses the French coach.
“At that time, he was at a stage where he was transitioning into adulthood, moving out of adolescence. It was a crucial stage of development for him, for any individual. But at the same time, that is my job, to accompany the player in their growth and prepare them for the world of professional tennis. A junior, by definition, is never fully ready to compete at the highest level, neither physically nor psychologically, so that is my role. The satisfaction comes from seeing him develop and grow with different tools, reaching the highest level. With Giovanni, we feel that this is only the beginning; we know he will continue improving and beating the best,” states a man who knows every corner of the circuit.
As evidence of progress, look no further than his 2024 season. With a confident Perricard on the big stages, capable of reaching the second week of a Grand Slam, securing his first professional title on an unexpected surface, and even repeating months later at an ATP 500 event. A burst of talent, but also power, riding on a serve that is poised to be the most lethal in the locker room.
“I must admit I never thought his first title would come on clay, it surprised me a bit that he won there before on hard court, and against strong opponents,” recalls Planque regarding his success in Lyon. “Later, what happened in tournaments like Basel or Wimbledon was not such a surprise. He wants to be one of the best in the world, so it's an honor that he chose me to accompany him on that journey. It's very valuable, so I have to be extremely dedicated and committed to our work. The truth is I spend more time with him than with my family; he knows that, which is why we always give our best effort,” acknowledges the man who began exclusively guiding him in 2023.
THE 'PLANQUE METHOD'
His coaching resume includes names like Arthur Fils, Michael Llodra, Fiona Ferro, and Lucas Pouille, among others. It was no surprise when Mpetshi Perricard turned to Planque to help him make the next leap. “Victories are, in the end, the result of many hours of prior work. For me, what matters is the journey, everything we did and overcame to get there. Victories are good, they are necessary, but what truly interests me is progress,” proudly comments Emmanuel, who counted up to 48 wins last season.
“My training method has evolved significantly. At first, I had no experience, but now I have a philosophy; I try to understand the individual in front of me. It's important to understand who they are, how they work, their education, and their culture. Then we need to offer them things that help them improve, progress, knowing that there will be emotional challenges and doubts, which can lead to concerns or anxiety,” Planque summarizes from his experience. “With Giovanni, it's not always easy to talk about those fears, but we have a lot of trust; I know he relies on me a lot in extreme moments. As a coach, those situations come with great responsibility, so I strive to meet the challenge,” he concludes.
This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, “Giovanni lo tiene claro: quiere ser de los mejores del mundo"