2022 U.S. Open semifinalist Frances Tiafoe will take on the French veteran Adrian Mannarino for a spot in the round of 16.
Frances Tiafoe did not have the ideal preparation for the final Grand Slam of 2023. Tiafoe has won two titles this season, but neither of them came on hard courts. And while that wouldn’t necessarily be cause for alarm, his performance at the two Masters warmup events may be. The American posted a couple match wins in Washington D.C., but he only won a single match total betweenToronto and Cincinnati.
The world No. 10 had his big breakthrough last year in New York–where made his way all he way to the semifinals before going down in an epic five-setter to eventual champion Carlos Alcaraz. Tiafoe is in a favorable section of the draw and it’s even more wide open following the surprise ouster of Casper Ruud, but he’ll need to find his 2022 form if he wants to defend his points.
His opponent, Adrian Mannarino, didn’t have an easy path to the third round. The world No. 35 was taken to four sets by his first two opponents, Yosuke Watanuki and Fabian Marozsan.
Although Mannarino advanced, the struggles so early in the tournament suggest that he probably will not have what it takes to get past Tiafoe.
Cheryl pick: Tiafoe in 5
Ricky pick: Tiafoe in 4
WWW?
Yes, Frances . . . but you never know re Adrian. SO tricky.
Agree w/above…Mannarino is “tricky”…always a tough out!….but 🇺🇸Hero should prevail, in 4.