Mannarino defies odds to reach stunning Montpellier final
French veteran Adrian Mannarino capped an improbable resurgence on Saturday, ending an eight-match losing streak earlier this week to reach his first-ever ATP final on home soil with a 1-6, 6-3, 6-4 victory over Martin Damm.
Adrian Mannarino, Montpellier 2026 | © JB Autissier / Occitanie Open
Adrian Mannarino utilized his trademark “tactical science” to dismantle the challenge of American qualifier Martin Damm, securing his place in the Open Occitanie final after a grueling battle of generations (1-6, 6-3, 6-4).
Entering the week on a dismal eight-match losing drought that stretched back several months, the 37-year-old world No 70 was not expected to contend for the title. However, his victory over Damm – who was competing in his first career ATP semi-final – proved that Mannarino’s unique style still has a place in the modern game.
The Veteran’s Tactical Masterclass
The match began in disastrous fashion for the Frenchman. In a swift 25-minute opening set, the 203cm Damm capitalized on every opportunity, securing two breaks of serve from just two break point chances. Mannarino appeared completely outmatched, winning only 14 total points and a meager two points on his second serve as Damm’s power dictated play.
“In the beginning, it was one-way traffic as he was hitting very hard, playing very well, and had very few unforced errors, which left me without any real solutions”, Mannarino said to reporters. “My strategy was to stay focused on serving well and holding my serve in the hope that he would eventually drop off a little bit during a game. The turning point occurred at 4-3 in the second set when he served fewer first serves and hit a double fault, providing the first opening of the match which I managed to seize immediately.”
The tide turned in the second and third sets as Mannarino drastically improved his service numbers and began to pressure the American’s formidable delivery. Remarkably, Mannarino became the only player to break Damm’s serve twice throughout the entire tournament. While Damm’s previous opponents had gone 0-for-9 on break point opportunities, “le divin chauve” (the divine bald one) was clinical, converting both of his few looks at 2-for-2.
“At the start of the third set, he was a bit less clinical on serve, allowing me to return well and secure a break, though it is never easy to break so early because of the constant pressure that follows”, Mannarino said. “My serve has responded quite well this week, and while I know I will never have the same power as opponents like the one I faced today, I have to adapt by varying the spin, speeds, and heights of my delivery.”
Mannarino: “I felt better Saturday than I did Friday, surprisingly”
As the match progressed into a decider, Damm’s frustration grew. Rattled by Mannarino’s low-skidding shots and relentless variety, the American was seen shouting at his coaching box.
Serving for the match at 5-4, Mannarino showed nerves of steel, saving two break-back points – the second with a clutch ace at deuce. Despite missing his first match point with a forehand into the net and a brief interruption due to a baby crying in the stands, Mannarino remained unfazed, sealing the win with a clinical second-serve winner.
“Quite surprisingly, I felt better Saturday than I did Friday, and aside from the very end of the match where tension started to lock up my legs, I felt I was moving well and had no pain” Mannarino answered when he was asked about his physicality. “It is also nice to have the support of the crowd since we do not play in France every week, and their encouragement is important during difficult or tense moments on court.” He now faces the winner of the clash between Felix Auger-Aliassime and Titouan Droguet for the title.
