Adrian Mannarino overpowers Hubert Hurkacz to reach Miami Round of 16

Adrian Mannarino is turning heads in Miami. After Ben Shelton in the previous round, the French won against Hubert Hurkacz, seeded number eight, in two sets and 2:18 of play (7-6, 7-6). For this round of 16 against the winner of the 2021 edition, “Manna” did not experience any inferiority complex and behaved magnificently during the two decisive games to qualify with mastery in the next round.

In the round of 16, he will face the winner of the duel between Grégoire Barrère and Christopher Eubanks.

And eight for Mannarino! Thanks to this convincing success against the giant Hurkacz, the left-hander added another victory against a world top 10 during his career on the professional circuit. A performance far from trivial against an opponent never easy to maneuver because of his overpowering service. But with already three sets played in the decisive game and 3h30 in the legs during his last match against Kokkinakis, the Pole did not manage to keep up with the new pace imposed by Mannarino.

Enterprising and driving force in the exchange, the tennis player from the Paris region held firm on his serve throughout the first set, before pocketing the bet on his first opportunity at 6-5 in the decisive game (7-6) .

Opportunistic, Mannarino slightly slowed down at the start of the second run and Hurkacz took advantage of this decompression. With an entry break then a score at 3-1 in his favor, the finalist of the Masters 1000 of Montreal recovered in a good dynamic.

Unfortunately for him, Mannarino had not said his last word, far from it. Able to overcome his few gestures of frustration, the French broke to lead 4-3, 5-4 then 6-5, forcing Hurkacz to try his luck again at the decisive game. And this time, the colossus completely capitulated: no points scored and a violent 7-0 to leave the Florida scene with their heads down (7-6). Notice to competition: Mannarino is tough.