"I have the merit of hanging in there," Mannarino, qualified for the round of 16 in Cincinnati, considered retirement
Adrian Mannarino has been rediscovering his form over the past few weeks. After months of doubt and a drop in the ATP rankings, the former world No. 17 has climbed back into the top 100, and at 37 years old, the Frenchman has secured a spot in the round of 16 at the Cincinnati Masters 1000 following victories against Jordan Thompson (6-2, 6-2), Tomas Machac (6-3, 6-3), and Tommy Paul (5-7, 6-3, 6-4).
For context, Mannarino also managed to come through qualifying with wins over Krueger and Svrcina. Before facing world No. 1 Jannik Sinner, Mannarino reflected on his difficult period, during which he had seriously considered ending his career.
"Last year was tough. When you win a few matches, you tend to think everything becomes easier—you see the game a bit better, panic a little less, and build confidence.
On the other hand, when losses pile up, doubt creeps in, you make bad decisions, and panic sets in. That’s why it’s important to ride the wave when it’s positive.
It’s true that when bad results keep coming, it’s a bit harder to get up in the morning to train, but you have to hang in there and keep working. I’m lucky that it’s not too hard for me to get up and go to the gym or practice.
It might sound silly to some, but I love it—I love playing sports. So maybe I bounce back better than others who stay stuck at the bottom. That’s my merit. I don’t have only strengths in my game, but this is something I manage pretty well.
I have the merit of persevering. There were moments of doubt. I always tend to believe, but results speak for themselves. This year, I lost to very, very weak players in Challengers. I told myself I’d soon have to stop because it was getting ridiculous.
But on the other hand, the people I work with managed to motivate me and make me believe it was still possible. And now, I’m having a little stretch where results are coming. But I can’t stop here—I have to keep going.
I feel like I’m playing better, and it’s good for morale. I believed in myself. When you’re the only one, it gets a bit tough. But when people you trust also believe in you, it helps.
There are plenty of people who stroke your ego. There are also those who stab you in the back. You have to be immune to criticism and keep faith in the people you work with.
Alone, it’s complicated—it’s not an easy job," Mannarino stated after defeating Paul for the second time in three meetings, speaking to *L’Équipe* following his win over the American.
Cincinnati 
