The usual suspects of Novak Djokovic, Carlos Alcaraz and Yannick Sinner, who have won the last 10 Grand Slam singles titles between them, are expected to battle it out at the Australian Open.
Meanwhile, British hopes will rest on Jack Draper, with the world number 15 looking to build on a US Open semi-final run.
But beyond the established names, which include Alexander Zverev, Daniil Medvedev and Taylor Fritz, there could be a real ace in the pack, literally.
Mpetshi Pericard hit 36 aces in his opening win against Nick Kyrgios in Brisbane.
Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard of France is a serving machine.
The 21-year-old’s 6ft 8in frame helped him average 19 aces per game in the 2024 season, five more than nearest rival Hubert Hurkac (13.4).
Mpetshi Pericard started 2025 in similar fashion, dropping 36 aces in his opening win against Nick Kyrgios in Brisbane, 20 to dismiss Francis Tiafoe and then 19 against Jakub Mensik.
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Watch the highlights as Mpetshi Pericard beat Francis Tiafoe 6-4 7-6 to reach the quarter-finals of the Brisbane International.
It was down to 10 as he was beaten Riley Opelka, the winner of Djokovic semi-finals, but he certainly made his mark ahead of the first Grand Slam of the year, averaging 21.25 aces per match.
The key for Mpetshi Perricard is the small change in speed between his average first serve (135 mph) and second serve (123 mph).
How Mpetshi Pericard has fared in 2024
The youngster from Lyon started 2024 ranked 205th in the world and with just two wins at the ATP level, but finished it ranked 31st and with two ATP Tour titles.
Mpetshi Pericard won his first ATP 250 title with a victory over Tomas Martin Echeverri on clay in his hometown in May.
He then moved up a notch by winning his 500th event in October, seeing off fellow big server Ben Shelton on the hard court in Basel.
He also reached the last 16 at Queen’s and Wimbledon during the grass court season, defeating Shelton and Sebastian Korda.
In his epic five-set win over Korda at the All England Club, he produced 51 aces and saved all 11 break points he faced.
Mpetshi Pericard celebrates after winning the Basel Open, one of two titles he won last season
Is Mpetshi Perricard a future top five player?
So why is Mpetshi Perricard’s service such a dangerous weapon?
Former world No. 4 Brad Gilbert, former coach of Andy Murray and Coco Gauff, told the ATP Tour website: .
“He has a very repetitive, easy movement, he doesn’t throw the ball very quickly. It’s a very easy, repetitive movement. I think it’s getting lost.
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French wildcard Giovanni Mpetshi Pericard defeated Francis Tiafoe in an opening round clash at the Paris Masters.
“He doesn’t bounce off the ground that much. He just has a really easy, fluid movement. That’s what you see right away.
“Can he keep (delivering) the ridiculous rate he does against all players and then do it against (Giannic) Sinner or (Carlos) Alcaraz?”
“If he can then go from 10 percent on breaks to 15, 17 percent and maintain where he’s serving, he’s definitely a top-five player.”
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