Adrian Mannarino: A Timeless Competitor
At 37, Adrian Mannarino remains a standout figure on the ATP Tour—a player whose longevity and craft have earned him admiration even beyond his five career titles. A one-time top-20 presence, Mannarino has carved out a reputation not for overwhelming power but for consistency, tactical intelligence, and an ability to stay competitive year after year. He has only surpassed 30 tour-level match wins in a season twice, in 2017 and again in 2023, underscoring how his results tend to accumulate through perseverance rather than sheer speed.
Defying Expectations and Recent Form
After a sluggish start to 2025, where he won just 9 of 20 ATP-level matches, the veteran left-hander has shown a late-season resurgence. His game is built on a flat, precise ball and smart movement, which have become increasingly menacing for opponents in recent weeks. While he may not possess the physical tools of younger stars, Mannarino’s court sense and craft keep him competitive at a high level. His upcoming third-round duel at the US Open with Ben Shelton—a powerful server who defeated Mannarino in Toronto—will be a stern test. Mannarino advanced past Tallon Griekspoor in the first round and then overcame Jordan Thompson in the second round, the latter match featuring Thompson challenging the ball conditions at the Open.
Earlier in the summer, Mannarino reminded the tour of his quality. At the Cincinnati Masters, he qualified for the main draw and reached the fourth round, narrowly losing to Jannik Sinner after taking down seeded players Tomas Machac and Tommy Paul. On grass, he reached the Newport final and also progressed to the Wimbledon third round following a successful qualifying campaign. Notably, three of his five ATP titles came in 2023, when he was already over 35, highlighting his ability to refine and improve his game despite age. Mannarino has stated his intention to continue playing on tour as long as his body allows.
Experience Against Top Players
Experience is Mannarino’s strongest weapon. His record against top-10 opponents stands at 10–60, but his wins include several standout moments in 2023, including victories on grass. At the US Open, he has pushed elites in the past—testing Andy Murray to five sets in 2015 and taking Frances Tiafoe to the limit in 2023 before bowing out in the third round. Even in defeat, Mannarino makes every top opponent work hard for every point, a hallmark of his career.
Against lower-ranked players, his results often shine. In 2017 he went 10–0 on the Challenger Tour, and in 2014 he posted an impressive 29–2 record at the same level. Although he has never reached a Grand Slam quarterfinal, he has competed in all four majors multiple times, with second-round breakthroughs at the French Open and Australian Open, and several Wimbledon appearances. The US Open has seen him reach the third round six times, underscoring his steady performance at the event.
Adaptation, Technique, and Resilience
Mannarino’s game has earned wide respect within the sport. The ATP has described his play as “magic,” and his resilience is evident in how he adapted his technique after an injury setback. In 2015, he changed his grip to accommodate a painful hand injury that affected his forehand. Despite ongoing challenges with his knee, hip, and hand, he has continued to win matches a decade later by maximizing precision, tactics, and anticipation. He uses some of the lowest string tensions on tour—about 8 kilos—an adjustment that suits his style and helps him play with rare touch and accuracy.
The US Open and a Potential Career-Defining Triumph
A victory over Ben Shelton in the US Open third round would arguably stand as a career-defining moment for Mannarino, symbolizing his enduring relevance and the timeless quality of his game. At 37, he continues to show that intelligence, adaptability, and perseverance can be as important as speed and power on the modern Tour.
What this means for fans and the sport
– Mannarino embodies longevity and resilience, offering a model for aspiring players about how craft and experience can compensate for physical gifts.
– His upcoming clash with Shelton brings a narrative of the old guard vs. new power, highlighting how tactical nous remains vital in an era of big winners.
– His continued presence on tour encourages audiences to value consistency, shot selection, and smart matchplay as much as raw speed.
Summary of the key themes
– A durable career marked by five ATP titles and a reputation for tactical brilliance.
– A late-career resurgence in 2025, demonstrating adaptability and steady form.
– A potentially career-defining run at the US Open, contingent on continued performance against rising stars.
If Mannarino can ride his experience to another deep US Open run, it would reinforce a lasting message: in tennis, mind over muscle can endure, and longevity can be as compelling as any spectacular breakthrough. A positive, hopeful outlook for the remainder of his season rests on his demonstrated ability to adapt and compete with conviction against high-caliber opponents.