Drama at Shanghai Masters: Adrian Mannarino downs Matteo Berrettini after 'rowdy' fan halts play

Shanghai Masters finally get underway on Wednesday with some of the top players in the world participating and showcasing their talent and secure the ultimate prize. On the first day of the competition, the round of 128 matches are being played.

One of those matches was between French veteran player Adrian Mannarino and Italy’s Matteo Berrettini. The match turned out to be a feisty contest as both players played some incredible tennis. In the second set, however, the match was halted due to a disturbance caused by a person in the crowd.

Chair umpire James Keothavong called the security to eject the said individual from the stands to continue the match. The commentators, Nick Lester and Robbie Koenig, explained why the game was stopped. “Someone we think here is being told to go home,” said Lester.

“Yeah, he’s been asked a couple of times to behave,” Koenig added. “Just a little rowdy, probably excited that the tennis has come around. Just a little unruly, maybe took some inspiration from the golf on the weekend!” Lester then went on to explain that Mannarino complained to the chair umpire about the behaviour of an individual sitting in the stands. “I think we heard Mannarino at the end of the last game speak to James Keothavong about it. Wanted this sorted,” said Lester. “Just a slight delay here as we deal with a fan being asked to leave.”

During the hold up of the play, Mannarino sat on the chair next to the umpire, whereas Berrettini stood at the baseline with his hand on his hip. Once the play resumed, it was greeted with loud cheers from the people in the arena. The match ended with Mannarino winning the contest in straight sets with a score of 7-5, 7-6.

In the contest, Mannarino committed four unforced errors, eight fewer than Berrettini. Mannarino won 85 percent of the service points as well, considerably higher than Berrettini, who won just 69 percent of the points while serving. Mannarino won 77 points in total, 13 more than Berrettini. Next up for Mannarino will be Francisco Cerundolo of Argentina. It will be the first-ever meeting between the two players in professional tennis.