By Tennis Now | @TennisNow | Friday, February 14, 2025
Image credit: Patrick Hamilton/AFP/Getty
Prepare for a thrilling showdown as Reilly Opelka takes on Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard in the race for the title of the world’s fastest server.
The two powerful servers are set to clash on Sunday, March 2, at The Ace Challenge Presented by Michelob ULTRA, where both hope to claim the title of the fastest serve in tennis. The winner will not only gain bragging rights but will also walk away with a cash prize during The MGM Rewards Slam weekend at the prestigious Michelob ULTRA Arena at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas.
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At 27 years old, Opelka aims to climb back up the ATP rankings, where he achieved a career-high ranking of No. 17 in 2022 following nearly two years on the sidelines due to injuries. Opelka started the year with an impressive victory over all-time Grand Slam leader Novak Djokovic at the Brisbane International, only to face Perricard in the semifinals before withdrawing from the final due to a back issue.
The towering six-foot-eight, 21-year-old Mpetshi Perricard has experienced a breakout year in 2024, currently holding a career-high ATP ranking of No. 30. Leading the ATP Tour with an impressive average of 19.3 aces per match, he boasts the highest service rating at 302.1. Earlier this year, Perricard made headlines with a blistering serve clocked at 144 miles per hour and even racked up 51 aces in a single match at Wimbledon last year.
The weekend’s festivities will also feature a highly anticipated match on Saturday, as women’s World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka faces off against former No. 1 Naomi Osaka for the prized Lion’s Cup. Sabalenka, a recent finalist at the Australian Open, is a three-time Grand Slam champion, while Osaka, hailing from Japan, boasts four Grand Slam titles, including back-to-back victories at the 2018 U.S. Open and the 2019 Australian Open.
On Sunday, don’t miss out on the action as men’s World No. 1 Jannik Sinner, No. 2-ranked Alexander Zverev, along with Americans Taylor Fritz and Tommy Paul (ranked Nos. 4 and 9, respectively) engage in a thrilling four-player round-robin event, complete with 10-point tiebreakers. The top two players with the highest points will compete in a Championship Tiebreak for the men’s version of the Lion’s Cup.
Tickets are available now through axs.com. Single-day tickets start at just $55, with two-day tickets available for $127.50 (service charges and fees may apply).
