Mannarino Eliminated in Quarterfinals of Birmingham Challenger

Now ranked 130th in the world, Adrian Mannarino is looking to regain confidence on grass after a particularly tough clay season (seven consecutive losses on the surface, including a first-round qualifying defeat to Luca Van Assche).

Competing at the Birmingham Challenger, the 36-year-old Frenchman had managed to reach the quarterfinals with wins over Yoshihito Nishioka (7-6, 3-2 ret.) and Nicolas Jarry (7-6, 6-3).

For a spot in the semifinals, he faced Brandon Holt, the American player ranked 101st in the world. It was their first meeting, but unfortunately for the former ATP No. 17, he couldn’t secure a third straight victory.

He failed to convert his only break point and wasn’t solid enough on his service games to trouble his opponent further. Meanwhile, Holt became the first player to reach the semifinals in Birmingham and will face the winner of the match between Otto Virtanen and Coleman Wong.

The other quarterfinals will feature Lloyd Harris against Colton Smith and Rinky Hijikata against Alex Bolt later on Friday.