Adrian Mannarino denies Ben Shelton a Novak Djokovic rematch with another five-set win

The third set saw Mannarino erase a 1-3 deficit before having a chance to serve it out at 5-4. But he was broken at 15 and in the tie-break, a forehand unforced error and double fault on his first two service points proved insurmountable to overcome as Shelton raced to a 5-0 lead.

Regrouping, Mannarino wiped away a break point to open the fourth set. In the sixth game, Shelton donated four unforced errors to drop serve, a dip that his opponent would capitalize on in sending their clash to a decider.

After each held, Shelton fought off four break points in a stressful five-deuce game to stay in front. At 2-2, Mannarino made the 2023 quarterfinalist pay the price of not converting one of his four game points. Having missed his forehand target at the end of a taxing 27-shot rally to see a fifth break point in the set slip through the cracks, the 35-year-old finally broke through two points later when Shelton’s forehand on the run traveled well long.

Mannarino consolidated from 15-30 for 4-2, then enginerred the double break when Shelton dropped serve from 40-0. He would need the cushion, after the American cut the deficit to 4-5 and was encouraged by chants of “U-S-A! U-S-A!” Shelton was in position to reach 15-30 in the final game, but flubbed a forehand volley—and Mannarino brought it home from there.

“There was some really good moments, some other less good moments. You have to go through all these things when you play a five-set match,” said Mannarino.

“I was actually impressed of how Ben improved. I played him last year, and I really feel like he’s been improving a lot. He was playing really well. I feel like I played a good match, too.”