Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard falls early in Washington against Aleksandar Vukic, 105th player in the world

Although the draw had been rather lenient with Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard, the 22-year-old Lyonnais was surprised. After a grass-court season that fell far short of expectations, where he only won one match in three tournaments played, the world number 45 could have hoped to bounce back upon his return to hard courts in Washington . While he had spent a round in the American capital the previous year, he fell at the start against the Australian Aleksandar Vukic (29), who was at ease on the surface.

Quite efficient on serve (60% first serves, 67% points won behind his serve), Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard was more lacking in the game, with 27 unforced errors committed - against 19 for his opponent - and a lack of efficiency when break opportunities presented themselves (only one break point out of eight converted).

Vukic, who started the match better, broke first and then simply won his serve-ins without too much difficulty to take the first set, 6-4. Mpetshi Perricard responded early in the second set by winning his opponent's serve-in. Despite having to save three break points in a row, the Lyon player controlled his serve-ins to get back to a set-all (6-3).

But in the third set, Aleksandar Vukic was much more effective. The Australian, who reached the third round in Melbourne and shook up Jack Draper in January, converted his only break point and saved all four chances left to Mpetshi Perricard to get back in front. After a final break point was denied in the final game, Aleksandar Vukic won in 1 hour and 41 minutes: 6-4, 3-6, 6-3.