Adrian Mannarino, 35th in the world, took a set from Frances Tiafoe (10th), Friday in the third round of the US Open, but last year’s semi-finalist ended up eliminating the Frenchman 4-6, 6-2 , 6-3, 7-6 (8/6). Mannarino, 35, had not passed the second round of any of the first three Grand Slam tournaments of the season when arriving in New York. But it is the American who will face for a place in the quarters the Chinese Zhizhen Zhang (67th), winner of the 2022 finalist Casper Ruud in the second round, or the Australian Rinky Hijikata (110th).
In the first set, Mannarino converted the only break point of the entire set and pulled away 3-2. He kept the advantage until the end and won his second set point on a service winner. But starting 2-2 in set two, Tiafoe won seven games in a row, even leaving Mannarino just seven points, to tie a set all and come away 3-0 in set three. He kept his advantage until the end.
In the fourth set, on a somewhat hazardous climb, Mannarino conceded the break and allowed Tiafoe to break away 2-1. But the Frenchman lined up three games to lead 4-2, without however being able to maintain his advantage. Tiafoe recovered at 4-4 and the two players came to the tie break. Mannarino saved a match point but lost on the second.