In the opening round at the If Stockholm Open, Adrian Mannarino faced Donald Young on centre court. The Frenchman came away as a 7-5, 6-4 winner in one hour 26 minutes to advance to the second round.
Mannarino fights from a break down to win the set
Donald Young came out the stronger of the two players. In the second game, the American ran away to a love-40 lead, however, Mannarino managed to save all those break points before surrendering the break and going behind. A forehand winner from Young gave him a 3-0 lead. The American had three more break point chances to go even further ahead but Mannarino denied Young and held serve to get on the scoreboard. The Frenchman's fortunes would change in the next game.
A passing shot from the world number 53 presented him with triple break points. Two of them were saved but he managed to convert at the third time of asking. A comfortable hold of serve leveled the game at 3-3. Both players settled into their service games momentarily as the set moved to 5-5. Following a mini exchange at the net, the 28-year-old came out on top, getting the crucial break and the chance to serve for the first set. An error from Young allowed Mannarino to claim the first set, 7-5.
Mannarino books spot in second round
The start of the second set was a carbon copy of the first. With the score at 1-2, Young gained a break point at 15-40. The American forced the error from his opponent and broke. However, he faced losing the break in the very next game. An unforced error allowed Mannarino double break back points. A big serve followed by an overhead smash allowed Young to deny the Frenchman. But he was immediately broken as he ran around his backhand, took it on his forehand which was then put wide.
At 15-30, The Frenchman found an opening and forced the world number 82 to play an extra forehand which produced an unforced error to give Mannarino a crucial second break in the set to go 4-3 up. After having three chances to hold serve, Mannarino buckled and Young found himself with a break back point but failed to convert and from then on in, Mannarino ultimately ended the 27-year-old's chances by thumping an ace to hold. Two games later, Mannarino served it out to love for the set and the match.
Key stats
Mannarino hit three aces but also served five double faults. The Frenchman dominated on the first serve winning 74 percent of points but struggled on his second serve managing to win only 48 percent. The 28-year-old was successful on break points converting seven from nine (78 percent) and saving 50 percent of breaks. Overall, 53 percent of total points was won by Mannarino.