Coach of Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard speaks on the Frenchman's motivations - "He wants to be one of the best players in the world"

French tennis player Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard announced his arrival on the ATP last season, when he won the ATP's Most Improved Player of the Year award. However, the rising star is yet to fulfill his potential, with his coach Emmanuel Planque giving fans a glimpse into his ward's mindset.

The 21-year old has won two ATP Tour-level titles during his short career, which has seen him rise to a career-high of World No.29. Despite his amazing talent, Planque believes their strong bond has also played a role in the Frenchman's recent surge.

"The strength [of our partnership] is that we have a very strong emotional relationship and are able to have very intimate discussions,” Planque said in an interview with ATPTour.com. “I remember a taxi ride in Rio, one evening after a victory in a Challenger event. It was very late, Gio had played a very long match and in the car he confided very intimate things to me. These are moments that count.
“The wins are ultimately the consequence of something. What interests me is the journey we took to get there. It would be a cliché and not true to say [the tournament wins] have been our greatest moments. The victories are good, but it is the progress that interests me."

Furthermore, Planque stated in order for them to move to the next level, both men would have to trust and motivate each other.

"Giovanni entrusts me with something very precious,” added Planque. “He wants to be one of the best players in the world and it's me who he has chosen to accompany him in this quest. This is very precious to me, and I have to be extremely dedicated and committed to our work. I spend more time with him than with my family. He is aware of that and we both make the effort to motivate [each other]."