Adrian Mannarino Slams US Open Conditions: “Becoming a Bit of a Zoo”

Adrian Mannarino has openly voiced his frustrations about the shifting atmosphere at the US Open, citing major changes in how spectators are managed. Under current tournament guidelines, spectators may move freely around the stands during active points, which runs counter to traditional tennis etiquette.

Historically, individuals were strictly restricted from entering or moving about the seating bowl except during designated side changes. This lax enforcement has transformed the arena’s dynamic, with fans constantly walking up and down the aisles and holding conversations during live games. Mannarino said in his US Open press conference:

Now people are allowed to move around in the stands during points. Before, people weren’t allowed to enter the court except during side changes. Now they come in any which way, they move around, they talk. It’s the tournament that tolerates this, and I don’t know if it’s the best idea for the game in general. You can smell weed on the court, there’s noise coming from everywhere, it’s becoming a bit of a zoo, really. These are some really particular playing conditions.

Mannarino noted that the US Open is unique in tolerating this level of continuous disruption, questioning whether it serves the sport’s long-term benefit. The French veteran described a chaotic environment where unusual sensory distractions, such as the distinct smell of weed floating onto the court, add to the overall disorder.

🗣️ "ÇA DEVIENT UN PEU LE ZOO" 😳🇺🇸

Adrian Mannarino revient sur les conditions de jeu à l’#USOpen plutôt… atypique.

"Maintenant les gens ont le droit de bouger dans le public pendant les points. Avant les gens avaient pas le droit de rentrer sur le court en dehors des… pic.twitter.com/HhEo1EoUHl

— Avantage Tennis 🎾 (@AvantageTennis_) September 3, 2026

With noise reverberating from every corner of the grounds, he characterized the modern tournament atmosphere as feeling “a bit of a zoo.” Mannarino joined Arthur Fils as one of the early casualties from France, leaving Gael Monfils as the sole hope from the European giants.

Alexander Bublik cruises into the third round

Alexander Bublik secured his place in the third round of the 2026 US Open following a dominant performance against Adrian Mannarino. The Kazakhstan player dismantled his opponent in straight sets with a final scoreline of 6-3, 6-1, 6-1.

The one-sided encounter concluded swiftly in just one hour and twenty-two minutes. Bublik relied heavily on his powerful service game, firing 16 aces past Mannarino during the match.

Throughout the contest, the 15th-seeded player committed three double faults while effectively neutralizing his opponent. He capitalized on his opportunities by converting six out of 14 break point chances.

Following this comprehensive victory, Bublik advanced to set up a third-round meeting against American player Tommy Paul. Paul entered this stage of the tournament holding the No. 29 world ranking.

Inclement weather and rain disruptions at Flushing Meadows

Unpredictable weather created logistical headaches at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center as rain showers repeatedly interrupted matches. The precipitation forced officials to halt play on all uncovered outer courts as the evening sessions progressed.

This weather interruption marked the second consecutive day of main-draw competition significantly impacted by rain. Earlier in the week, qualifying rounds had already suffered similar weather-related delays, compounding scheduling pressures for tournament organizers.

Matches held inside Arthur Ashe Stadium and Louis Armstrong Stadium were unaffected because of their retractable roofs. However, players and fans assigned to the outer courts faced extended wait times while maintenance crews worked to dry the playing surfaces.

Meteorological forecasts for Queens pointed toward persistent humidity and a high probability of overnight thunderstorms. These continuous weather threats left tournament schedulers bracing for additional adjustments to complete the daily order of play.

Also Read: Juan Martin del Potro Sends Urgent Wrist Warning to Carlos Alcaraz After US Open Return