Tennis

Adrian Mannarino, the 36-year-old French veteran, will face Zizou Bergs in the second round of the Rolex Paris Masters on Wednesday, October 30. Mannarino, who has a modest 15-30 record this year, has found renewed energy playing in front of his home crowd.Bergs, a lucky loser who replaced the injured Flavio Cobolli, upset French favorite Richard Gasquet in the first round. However, Mannarino presents a tougher challenge for the Belgian.Mannarino's strength lies in his defensive prowess. He is known for his ability to absorb pressure and return shots with consistency. Against Bergs, who can be erratic and prone to unforced errors, Mannarino's patience and resilience could prove decisive.Furthermore, the fast courts in Bercy favor Mannarino's serve. He has been serving well in recent matches, and his ability to hold serve consistently will put pressure on Bergs.Bergs, on the other hand, is an aggressive ball-striker who can overpower opponents when he's on his game. However, his tendency to spray unforced errors and get wild from the baseline could be his undoing against Mannarino's steady defense.The partisan crowd is also expected to play a role in Mannarino's favor. The Frenchman thrives on the support of his home fans, and the raucous atmosphere could unsettle Bergs.Overall, Mannarino appears to have the edge in this matchup. His defensive skills, improved serve, and home-court advantage make him the more likely winner.

Frances Tiafoe and Adrian Mannarino, two renowned tennis stars, recently visited the inaugural Asyl Miras Autism Center in Almaty, Kazakhstan. Their visit aimed to bring joy to the children and families affected by autism spectrum disorders (ASD).Upon arrival, Tiafoe and Mannarino distributed gifts and received heartfelt drawings from the children. They were particularly impressed by Aibek, a charming youngster who greeted everyone with a warm handshake and "Salam Alaikum." Aruna, another child, engaged in a lively conversation with Mannarino, showcasing her impressive English skills.Tiafoe and Mannarino engaged in developmental games with Aibek and Aruna, focusing on alphabet recognition and character building. Tiafoe was particularly struck by Aibek's infectious personality, stating, "That kid had way more personality than I do. And that says a lot, as I've got a wild personality."The visit provided a valuable perspective for the tennis stars. Tiafoe reflected, "It builds a level of perspective. Sometimes it's so easy to look inward at what you're doing, complain about your life and things like that. Ultimately a lot of people have it way harder."Mannarino echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of giving back to the community. "I think it's pretty important for us whenever we get some free time to give back to other people and trying to share a little bit of happiness with them, share some good moments."The Asyl Miras Autism Center is part of a larger project by the Bulat Utemuratov Foundation, which has established 13 centers across Kazakhstan. Since its inception, the foundation has provided free care, education, and resources to over 16,000 children with ASD.Tiafoe and Mannarino were inspired by the foundation's mission and the progress made in understanding and supporting individuals with ASD. They acknowledged the need for continued global efforts to create a truly inclusive society.

Adrian Mannarino, the 36-year-old French tennis star, has achieved a significant milestone in his career by securing his 300th tour-level victory. This triumph came in the opening round of the ATP 500 event in Beijing, where he overcame Lorenzo Sonego in a hard-fought three-set battle, 1-6, 6-2, 6-3.Mannarino's victory marks a resurgence in his form after a challenging period earlier this year. In 2023, he enjoyed a breakthrough season, winning three ATP titles and breaking into the Top 20 for the first time. However, his 2024 campaign started with a string of disappointing results, causing him to drop out of the Top 40.Despite the setbacks, Mannarino has shown signs of improvement in recent weeks. Last week, he reached the quarterfinals of the ATP 250 event in Chengdu, China, and now he has started his Beijing campaign with a victory.Mannarino's 300th win places him among an elite group of French players in the Open Era. He is only the 12th Frenchman to achieve this milestone, joining the likes of Richard Gasquet, Gael Monfils, and Yannick Noah.In the next round in Beijing, Mannarino could potentially face his fellow Frenchman, Monfils, if Monfils can overcome Daniil Medvedev in his first-round match.Mannarino's resurgence is a testament to his resilience and determination. After a difficult period, he has shown that he still has the ability to compete at the highest level. With his 300th win under his belt, he will be looking to continue his momentum and add to his impressive career tally.

Adrian Mannarino Signs with Celio, Debuts New Clothing SponsorshipFrench tennis star Adrian Mannarino has inked a new clothing sponsorship deal with Celio, a renowned French men's clothing brand. The partnership marks a significant milestone for the 35-year-old, who has long been known for his distinctive on-court style.Celio unveiled the collaboration earlier this week, playfully referencing Mannarino's nickname, "the divine bald," in their announcement. The brand's decision to align with Mannarino aligns with their commitment to supporting French athletes and promoting a unique sense of style.Mannarino's new partnership with Celio will officially launch at the Mutua Madrid Open this weekend. The 19th-seeded Frenchman will face Felix Auger-Aliassime in his opening match, seeking to regain momentum after a recent string of losses.Despite his recent setbacks, Mannarino remains a formidable opponent, having reached the round of 16 at this year's Australian Open by winning three consecutive five-set matches. His tenacity and unwavering determination have earned him a reputation as a resilient competitor.Mannarino's collaboration with Celio is a testament to his enduring presence in the tennis world. The partnership not only provides him with a new clothing sponsor but also aligns with his personal brand identity. Mannarino's signature plain t-shirt look has become synonymous with his on-court persona, and Celio's designs will complement his minimalist style.The partnership also highlights Celio's commitment to supporting French athletes. The brand has previously signed on Benoit Paire and Jules Marie, further solidifying their presence in the tennis community.As Mannarino prepares to debut his new clothing sponsorship at the Mutua Madrid Open, fans can expect to see him continue to showcase his unique style and competitive spirit. The partnership with Celio marks an exciting new chapter in his career, providing him with the support and resources to continue his pursuit of success on the court.