Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard powered thunderous serves against Taylor Fritz in their opening round at Wimbledon and obliterated the previous speed record at SW19. American Taylor Dent has long held the serve speed record at the All England Club since his 148mph delivery in 2010.
Mpetshi Perricard blew that away with a 151mph serve under the Court1 roof on Monday night – and then went one better with a 153mph bomb. Mpetshi Perricard was feeling so confident he also sent a 147mph second serve flying past Fritz, which would have challenged the record itself.
Fritz won two grass titles in the build-up to Wimbledon: the Boss Open and Eastbourne. The fifth seed, on his strongest surface, was expected to cruise past his giant opponent, who stands at 6ft 8in tall.
However, Mpetshi Perricard’s incredible serving set Court 1 alight – and earned him the first two sets.
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