Three rising stars sign to play ASB Classic

The super talented trio of Jakub Mensik, Flavio Cobolli and Giovanni Mpetshi-Perricard have signed up for January’s ASB Classic in Auckland.

Mensik (Czech Republic), 19, is the world’s highest-ranked teenager, already inside the ATP Top 50 in his first season on the tour.

Italy’s Flavio Cobolli, 22, jumped more than 70 spots in 2024 to be 32nd in the world rankings with some impressive scalps to his credit this year.

Mpetshi-Perricard (France) is one of only four players in the world aged 21 years or younger ranked in the top 30 on the ATP rankings.

The young guns ranked above him comprise Frenchman Arthur Fils, who competed at the ASB Classic this year, Dane Holger Rune and world No 2 Carlos Alcaraz.

ASB Classic director Nicolas Lamperin said the tournament continued to be well received to start the new season in the run-up to the first major in Australia.

"The entries of Jakub, Giovanni and Flavio fit ideally with the ASB Classic’s push to attract tomorrow’s superstars today," Lamperin said.

Mensik has already pushed his way to No 48 in the world and this year became the first player born in 2005 or later to reach an ATP final, after beginning the year ranked No 167.

The former world No 2 junior, who turned professional in 2022, has enjoyed a remarkable 2024 season.

He was runner-up in Doha, reached the semifinals in Umag, and made the quarterfinals in Mallorca, Vienna and Shanghai, where he lost to Novak Djokovic.

"Reaching the final rounds of ATP events, finishing top 50 in the world, and competing in the Paris Olympic Games were absolute dreams come true, giving me much motivation for what’s next," Mensik said.

Mpetshi-Perricard is a product of the French development system, joining the programme aged 12.

The 21-year-old has emerged quickly on the ATP Tour, breaking into the top 100 in May and pushing to No 30.

This followed his outstanding ATP Tour 500 victory in Basel with victory over ASB Classic semifinalist Ben Shelton in the final. His other tournament conquests included wins over Felix Auger-Aliassime, Denis Shapovalov and Holger Rune.

His first ATP title came in Lyon this year.

Mpetshi-Perricard packs a commanding figure and big game to match his 2.03m frame.

To juxtapose his frame and power is Cobolli, who possesses wonderful skills and touch as would be expected from an Italian who loves the clay surface, and whose hero is magician Fabio Fognini.

Starting the year outside the top 100 — he is now at No 32 — Cobolli, who is coached by his father, accounted for Shelton twice this year, on his way to the semifinal at Geneva and runner-up in Washington. — APL