Adrian Mannarino has a simple explanation as to why he plays better the older he gets.
by Jens Huiber
last edited: January 20, 2024, 3:32 p.m
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Adrian Mannarino will play against Novak Djokovic tomorrow
Adrian Mannarino has already won the internal duel with Ugo Humbert for status as French number one. Because while Humbert failed in four sets against Hubert Hurkacz at the Australian Open on Saturday, Mannarino can still play against Novak Djokovic tomorrow. And that in the day session. Not a given when it comes to the world number one – Djokovic actually has a subscription to the evening event.
Mannarino himself won the left-handed duel against Ben Shelton in round three – and after his match, when asked why he was getting better, he replied: “I’m trying tequila.” That helps him not to think too much. Not entirely serious, certainly. But the expression of the relaxedness with which Mannarino pursues his job. Without a clothing sponsor, by the way.
Djokovic gegen Mannarino Favorite
So on Sunday there will be 71 years of life experience in the Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne. The 36-year-old Djokovic starts as the clear favorite, having won the four previous games against Mannarino. The last one, however, dates back to 2018. Since then, Adrian Mannarino has become a little older biologically, but has gotten much better in terms of play.
Mannarino has always played at the speed of the opponent, has a very economical backswing and an even more economical stringing. Novak Djokovic knows all of this, of course, and he goes into the match much better rested. The industry leader barely broke a sweat against Tomas Martin Etcheverry, Mannarino had to go the full distance against Shelton. It is not known whether he treated himself to a shot of tequila afterwards.
Here is the individual tableau in Melbourne
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2024-01-20 14:25:00
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