How French veteran Adrian Mannarino uses TEQUILA to take his game to new heights – with defending champion Novak Djokovic his next daunting assignment

French tennis star Adrian Mannarino has revealed the secret of his success on the court: tequila.

The 35-year-old defeated American rising star Ben Shelton, 21, in a five-set epic on Friday night that lasted four hours and 46 minutes.

When Mannarino was quizzed by Channel Nine commentator Adam Peacock about how he is in the best shape of his career – and how he was mocking Father Time – Mannarino’s answer was brilliant.

“I started drinking tequila,” he said, much to the amusement of the fans courtside.

‘That helps you not to think too much and you know, you just keep going.

‘Sometimes you have to clear your head and stop thinking about the past and just move on.

‘Don’t look back and just go.’

Mannarino, the 20th seed, will face defending champion and world number one Novak Djokovic in the fourth round.

He also became an instant cult hero after telling tennis fans that he just wants to “enjoy the moment” and “don’t want to” with his team. I really care about what’s next.’

The Frenchman’s thrilling victory denied fans a spirited rematch between Djokovic and Shelton, who have been locked in a war of words since last year’s US Open, where the Serbian ended the brash American’s run in the semi-finals.

And while Djokovic will likely conserve his energy on Saturday, Mannarino will return to the court.

He will partner compatriot Quentin Halys in the second round of the men’s doubles against 12th seeds Jackson Withrow and Nathaniel Lammons.

During the United Cup in Sydney earlier this month, Mannarino grabbed headlines after he was given a controversial medical timeout mid-match.

It followed a self-induced injury, with Australian tennis great Wally Masur left stunned by the chair umpire’s decision.