"Learning that in the restroom was a bit unusual," Mannarino's anecdote about Shelton's withdrawal
Adrian Mannarino is through to the round of 16 at the US Open. The Frenchman was putting up a high-level battle against Ben Shelton, but the American, who injured his shoulder in the fourth set, was forced to withdraw before the start of the decisive set.
In a press conference, the 37-year-old player recounted the amusing moment when he learned that his opponent could not continue the match after his qualification for the second week.
"During the fourth set, I started feeling the need to go to the restroom, but I couldn't really stop in the middle of the game. I also wanted to keep my serving rhythm.
So I was eagerly waiting for the set to end so I could finally go to the restroom. At that moment, I was there and had three minutes left. The person accompanying me informed me that I only had two minutes left.
That's when I heard over the walkie-talkie that my opponent was actually withdrawing. The person with me knocked on my door and said, 'It's okay, you've won. Your opponent is withdrawing.'
I had to go back to the court to shake his hand, but it's true that learning that in the restroom was a bit unusual," concluded Mannarino, who will face Jiri Lehecka for a spot in the quarterfinals, for RMC Sport.
