Brisbane 2026: Mpetsi Perricard Beats Rinky Hijikata To Reach Quarterfinal For Second Time

Giovanni Mpetsi Perricard fought back adter dropping a set to win against Rinky Hijikata in the round of 16 of the Brisbane International. 

The French player was a set down before making a comeback, and battling through two tie-breaks. He won in three sets by 4-6, 7-6 (5), 7-6 (2), securing his place in the quarter-finals. He will be making his straight second appearance in the Last Four in Brisbane. 

Rinky made is first quarterfinal appearance in Brisbane in 2024. He had an impressive start, displaying his dominance in the first set by winning his first break. He won the break point midway through set before claiming the opener. 

Mpetsi turned the tide by saving a breaking point at 3-4 in the second set, holding on to win and regained level terms. The Ftenchamn maintained his resilience in the final set and outlasted the Australian in the tie-break. 

Last year, Rinky reached his first ever ATP Tour-level quarterfinals in Brisbane. He lost in the round to Grigor Dimitrov in straight sets. In the same season, Mpetsi reached his first quarterfinal in Brisbane. Though he lost to a much-experienced player, Nick Kyrgios, he displayed a masterclass performance and forced the Australian to drop the second set before losing in three sets, 6-7(2), 7-6(4), 6-7(3).