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Posted: 2024-01-20 02:09:16

Adrian Mannarino isn't your typical professional tennis player.

This much was evident after his tight five-set win over 16th seed Ben Shelton in the Australian Open third round on Friday night.

When asked during his on-court interview what was the secret to his career-best form at age 35, the Frenchman was honest with his reply.

"I started [drinking] tequila," Mannarino said, attracting a collective laugh from the crowd.

"That helps to not think too much. You just keep going. Sometimes you need to clear your brain, stop thinking about the past and just keep going. Don't look back."

Mannarino's admission, following his third consecutive five-set win, provides an insight into the Frenchman's laid-back approach that saw him climb to a career-high ranking of 19 in the world at the beginning of the Australian Open.

He added further detail on how his preparation differs from his fellow professionals on tour when he spoke to reporters at his post-match media conference.

"Many players like to play with a lefty (left-handed player) before playing a lefty, practising with a righty before playing a righty," Mannarino said.

"I just think that's bullshit.

"This is one of the reasons why I'm struggling to find (hitting) partners because people are really, really intense in their preparation.

"They want everything to be perfect. For me, doesn't really matter.

"Yesterday, I was just too tired. I've been playing like 15 minutes with my coach. I said, 'No, I don't want nothing more, I've been playing enough tennis the last few days'.

"I think the most important now is to recover and just feel good and prepare on court. That's most important."

Adrian Mannarino plays a forehand at the 2024 Australian Open.

Mannarino has won three consecutive five-set matches on his way to the fourth round.(Getty Images: Shi Tang)

Mannarino, who won three titles last year, also prefers not finding out the identity of his upcoming opponent, saying: "I don't need to know."

"I always try to keep it as long as I can (to find out who he is playing) because I just don't want to think too much.

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