Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard may not be the most talked about player at the ongoing Championships but the Frenchman has already etched his name in history books by serving the fastest serve ever recorded at Wimbledon.
During his match against fifth-seeded Taylor Fritz, Mpetshi Perricard smashed a tournament-record 153mph (246kph) serve in the opening-round clash.
Mpetshi Perricard's record serve came in the opening game. The Frenchman took the first two sets 7-6, 7-6 before Fritz grabbed the next two 6-4, 7-6.
The match was suspended after four sets late on Monday night because of the tournament’s 11pm curfew. The two will resume their battle on Tuesday.
Mpetshi Perricard broke the previous Wimbledon mark of 148mph, by Taylor Dent in 2010.
However, Fritz not only managed to return the serve, he eventually won the point.
The 6'8" Mpetshi Perricard started the match by crushing a 149mph serve, which was already enough to break Dent’s record. The 21-year-old then sent down a 146mph serve at 15-0 before creating history on the following point.
The Frenchman's record is among the fastest serves ever recorded in professional tennis. Below is the list of the fastest serves in history, according to available records. Not all are ratified by the ATP.
Fastest serves in men's tennis
1. Sam Groth (Australia) – 263.4kph (163.7mph); Busan Challenger, 2012
2. Albano Olivetti (France) – 257.5kph (160mph); Trofeo FAIP – Perrel, 2012
3. John Isner (US) – 253kph (157.2mph); Davis Cup, 2016
= 4. Ivo Karlovic (Croatia) – 251kph (156mph); Davis Cup, 2011
= 4. Jerzy Janowicz (Poland) – 251kph (156mph); Pekao Szczecin Open, 2012
6. Milos Raonic (Canada) – 249.9kph (155.3mph); SAP Open, 2012
7. Andy Roddick (US) – 249.4kph (155mph); Davis Cup, 2004
8. Chris Guccione (Australia) – 248kph (154.1mph); Davis Cup, 2006
9. Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard (France) – 246.23kph (153mph); Wimbledon, 2025
10. Joachim Johansson (Sweden) – 244.6kph (152mph); Davis Cup, 2004
Four reasons global stock markets are falling right now
There are many factors worrying investors right now and triggering a rush out of stock markets. Here are four of the biggest:
1. Rising US interest rates
The US Federal Reserve has increased interest rates three times this year in a bid to prevent its buoyant economy from overheating. They now stand at between 2 and 2.25 per cent and markets are pencilling in three more rises next year.
Kim Catechis, manager of the Legg Mason Martin Currie Global Emerging Markets Fund, says US inflation is rising and the Fed will continue to raise rates in 2019. “With inflationary pressures growing, an increasing number of corporates are guiding profitability expectations downwards for 2018 and 2019, citing the negative impact of rising costs.”
At the same time as rates are rising, central bankers in the US and Europe have been ending quantitative easing, bringing the era of cheap money to an end.
2. Stronger dollar
High US rates have driven up the value of the dollar and bond yields, and this is putting pressure on emerging market countries that took advantage of low interest rates to run up trillions in dollar-denominated debt. They have also suffered capital outflows as international investors have switched to the US, driving markets lower. Omar Negyal, portfolio manager of the JP Morgan Global Emerging Markets Income Trust, says this looks like a buying opportunity. “Despite short-term volatility we remain positive about long-term prospects and profitability for emerging markets.”
3. Global trade war
Ritu Vohora, investment director at fund manager M&G, says markets fear that US President Donald Trump’s spat with China will escalate into a full-blown global trade war, with both sides suffering. “The US economy is robust enough to absorb higher input costs now, but this may not be the case as tariffs escalate. However, with a host of factors hitting investor sentiment, this is becoming a stock picker’s market.”
4. Eurozone uncertainty
Europe faces two challenges right now in the shape of Brexit and the new populist government in eurozone member Italy.
Chris Beauchamp, chief market analyst at IG, which has offices in Dubai, says the stand-off between between Rome and Brussels threatens to become much more serious. "As with Brexit, neither side appears willing to step back from the edge, threatening more trouble down the line.”
The European economy may also be slowing, Mr Beauchamp warns. “A four-year low in eurozone manufacturing confidence highlights the fact that producers see a bumpy road ahead, with US-EU trade talks remaining a major question-mark for exporters.”
Temple numbers
Expected completion: 2022
Height: 24 meters
Ground floor banquet hall: 370 square metres to accommodate about 750 people
Ground floor multipurpose hall: 92 square metres for up to 200 people
First floor main Prayer Hall: 465 square metres to hold 1,500 people at a time
First floor terrace areas: 2,30 square metres
Temple will be spread over 6,900 square metres
Structure includes two basements, ground and first floor
Vidaamuyarchi
Director: Magizh Thirumeni
Stars: Ajith Kumar, Arjun Sarja, Trisha Krishnan, Regina Cassandra
Rating: 4/5
Results
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Why are asylum seekers being housed in hotels?
The number of asylum applications in the UK has reached a new record high, driven by those illegally entering the country in small boats crossing the English Channel.
A total of 111,084 people applied for asylum in the UK in the year to June 2025, the highest number for any 12-month period since current records began in 2001.
Asylum seekers and their families can be housed in temporary accommodation while their claim is assessed.
The Home Office provides the accommodation, meaning asylum seekers cannot choose where they live.
When there is not enough housing, the Home Office can move people to hotels or large sites like former military bases.
