35-Year-Old ATP Veteran Sits Right Beside Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic After an Extremely Rare Feat on the Tennis Tour

The tennis world witnesses countless journeys of players from all around the world. Among these hundreds, three names have left an indelible mark. Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer, and Novak Djokovic, tennis’ beloved ‘Big Three’, have engraved their legacy in the minds and hearts of the fans. Their glorious achievements on the court continue to be a point that players still match up to. However, French tennis player Adrian Mannarino recently managed to attain something similar to them.

Rafa, Nole, and Federer won many ATP titles throughout their long careers, full of victories and defeats. Looking specifically at the year they turned 35 individually, all three won at least three titles. The unique achievement has existed as one of many feathers in their glorious caps. But after a recent victory at the Sofia Open, French tennis player Adrian Mannarino also joined the age-35 feat, adding his name to the array of legends.

Adrian Mannarino etches his name alongside the Big Three

With an amazing display of consistent wins and determination, Adrian Mannarino secured his place among tennis greats. Recently, he won the Sofia Open title after an intense match against British young gun Jack Draper. With a score of 6-7(6), 6-2, 6-3, the French veteran’s memorable triumph marked his third ATP Tour victory of the season, after two other glorious wins in Rotterdam and Winston-Salem. However, this stellar achievement not only gives him a great end to the season but also positions him alongside legends of the game.

The comparison becomes remarkable when considering that Mannarino is now part of an elite group of tennis maestros who, at the age of 35 or older, have gained a minimum of three titles in a single season. This list of qualified names includes Roger Federer (2017, 2018, 2019), Novak Djokovic (2022, 2023), and Rafael Nadal (2022).

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Mannarino’s addition to this unique circle was nothing less than an achievement within himself and the community. However, besides the recent victory at the Sofia Open, the 35-year-old’s other two victories this season are worth looking back to.

The other two memorable wins by Mannarino

Besides his recent victory at the Sofia Open, Adrian’s two other ATP title victories this year gave fans moments to be remembered. This season, he’s gained victories across the globe, counting earlier wins in Newport and Astana. In Astana, he stood for a face-off against Sebastian Korda in the finals, where he won 4-6, 6-3, 6-2.

Besides that, Newport added another chapter of success, with Mannarino defeating Alex Michelsen to secure his place in the winner’s circle. These victories not only added silverware to Mannarino’s collection but also added to his string of successes this year cumulating in the Sofia Open victory.

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