The unexpected turn in Montpellier: when a volley against Jiri Lehecka defines two different races

As the professional tennis tour continues its indoor European phase, the ATP circuit experienced a dramatic chapter in Montpellier this week. The Open Occitanie, a 250-series tournament, was the scene of an unusual incident that disrupted one of its players’ plans. The most notable aspect is how this event contrasts with the recent trajectory of certain players, particularly in their matches against high-level opponents like Jiri Lehecka, who recently also participated in this tournament as an elite competitor.

The nighttime drama that stopped Mpetshi Perricard

During the evening session on the Patrice Dominguez court, French players Arthur Gea (ranked 168th) and Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard (ranked 57th) began their first-round match. The duel started promisingly for Gea, who had achieved a break and led 5-3, 30-0 in the first set when the incident occurred that would mark the match. Mpetshi Perricard, seeking aggression at the net to finish the point, was hit directly in his left eye by the ball. The eye area is extremely sensitive in tennis, and although immediate medical assistance was provided, he was unable to continue. After just 38 minutes of play, the Lyon-born player had to withdraw from the contest.

Gea’s surprising feat with a wildcard

Arthur Gea was not favored to advance in the tournament. He entered thanks to a wild card from the organizers, reflecting his position on the circuit. However, luck was on his side this time. His next opponent will be Czech Tomas Machac (world No. 28), the third seed of the event. This rise is notable considering Gea had eliminated Román Burruchaga in the Australian Open qualifying, then surprised Jiri Lehecka in five sets—a valuable victory against an elite player—before falling to Stan Wawrinka. His performance at Melbourne Park demonstrated potential that is again reflected in Montpellier.

Lehecka and the tournament context: the true favorites

Jiri Lehecka, who, as mentioned, was surprised by Gea at the Australian Open, represents the caliber of competition prevailing in this series of ATP 250 tournaments. However, in Montpellier, the main favorite is Canadian Felix Auger-Aliassime. The French tournament offers €612,000 in prize money and is the only ATP event taking place this week, a significant week also due to Davis Cup qualifiers, including Argentina’s match against South Korea.

Mpetshi Perricard: a promising season interrupted

For Mpetshi Perricard, the accident was particularly unfortunate. The 22-year-old player started 2026 with quarterfinals in Brisbane and Auckland, consolidating his position after the Australian Open, where he lost in five sets to Argentine Sebastián Báez. Fast indoor surfaces like Montpellier’s favor his aggressive style of play. His track record supports this: he has two ATP titles won in 2024, one in Lyon on clay and another in Basel on indoor hard courts. This eye injury represents an unexpected obstacle in what promises to be a season of recovery and ranking growth.