SUMMARY
- The United Cup clash between France and Italy witnessed a lot of drama on court.
- Adrian Mannarino shocked the spectators with his actions on court.
The second edition of the United Cup is off to a flying start. As the tournament approaches its business end, players are increasing the intensity of their game. As impressive as the matches have been, there has also been ample drama on the courts. From bad umpiring to a busted head, the clash between France and Italy had it all.
Lorenzo Sonego took on French veteran Adrian Mannarino in the men’s singles tie. It was smooth sailing for Mannarino, and he played some of the best tennis to defeat Lorenzo 6-4, 6-4 in straight sets. However, there was a strange moment during the match when Adrian shocked everyone with his actions.
In the second set, Mannarino was down 30-0 in his opening service game. As his frustrations boiled over, he pounded himself on the head with the butt of his racket, drawing blood. The umpire handed him a medical timeout as a professional rushed to stop the bleeding. Mannarino’s actions were reminiscent of Mikhail Youzhny, who had also drawn blood by repeatedly hitting himself in the head with his racket.
Adrian Mannarino hit himself in the head with his racquet & drew blood.
Brings back flashbacks of Mikhail Youzhny.
Painful to watch.
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) January 3, 2024
The drama did not end there, as Sonego was then on the receiving end of a bad umpiring call. In the second set, Sonego was leading 3-2. To everyone’s surprise, there was an abrupt stoppage in the play, and the umpire awarded the point to Mannarino.
What was the umpire’s reasoning behind such a call? The ball had allegedly bounced twice before Sonego struck it back at Adrian. Lorenzo asked for a replay, but the official informed him that they were not equipped with VR. However, the TV replay clearly showed that the ball had bounced just once.
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This unforced error on the part of the official proved to be costly for Italy, as Mannarino leveled scores. He eventually went on to win the second set as well, putting France in the lead during their United Cup clash.
France vs. Italy at the United Cup
The clash between France and Italy was a spectacular display of skills and tactical excellence. Adrian Mannarino and Caroline Garcia led the French team to a comfortable victory against Italy.
Mannarino’s victory gave the French team a much-needed lead. Garcia took on Jasmine Paolini in the women’s singles and defeated her 6-4, 5-7, 6-4 in a closely contested match. This victory gave France an unassailable 2-0 lead over Italy and a spot in the quarterfinals.
ALLEZ! 🇫🇷
Team France are flying through to the quarterfinals ✈️#UnitedCup pic.twitter.com/adcPAVsxes
— United Cup (@UnitedCupTennis) January 3, 2024
France topped Group D at the United Cup this season. They will take on the winner of Group F, Norway, in the quarterfinals at the Ken Roswell Arena in Sydney on Thursday.