Tennis: Frenchman wins, but terrorist attacks prey on his mind

Mannarino in action at the Heineken Open. Photo / Dean Purcell

Frenchman Adrian Mannarino got off to a winning start at the Heineken Open yesterday but says the terrorist attacks in Paris have been on his mind.

The world number 44 cruised to a first-round 6-1, 6-1 victory over Argentina's Federico Delbonis, but off the court he has been preoccupied by events at home.

Mannarino arrived in Auckland after reaching the semifinals in a Challenger tournament in New Caledonia, where news of the attacks hit the French community hard.

"It is really crazy," he said. "I was watching the TV all week last week. I was in New Caledonia so we had French TV there.

"I was really surprised about the terror attacks and feel really bad for the people who have been killed and just hope that it is going to get better in the future."

One of five French players in action on day one at Stanley St, Mannarino says the close-knit group of compatriots have all been discussing and worrying about the situation at home.

"For sure, there were a lot of us French guys in New Caledonia so we were speaking about this all the time.

"We were really surprised and a little bit scared because if something was to happen again in Paris it is not going to be nice. We're going to see what happens. We're not feeling that good about it."

The French contingent were enjoying having one another's support at such an intense and uncertain time.

"We all know each other pretty well. It is always good to be with your friends on the tour, especially here in Auckland because we don't know that many people. So it's good to go and get dinner together."

Despite the worrying situation at home, Mannarino says he is enjoying his time in Auckland on his fourth visit to the season-opening tournament.

"It is always good to be here because we know we are going to have a good time, the city is pretty nice and everyone is nice to us.

"All the people who are working for the tournament are helping us a lot so I know that I'm going to have a good week here.

"It doesn't really matter about my results but I'm going to have a good time here so that's why I'm coming back."

Mannarino has a second-round clash tomorrow against Spanish third seed Roberto Bautista Agut.