A printing system for printing on a print medium is disclosed. A first linehead is disposed opposite a first side of the print medium. The first linehead defines print zones where a liquid is deposited onto the first side of the print medium. A plurality of transport rollers are disposed adjacent to the second side of the print medium. At least one transport roller is aligned with one of the one or more print zones of the first linehead. A vacuum manifold is disposed opposite the second side of the print medium. The vacuum manifold is aligned with the aligned transport roller and outputs a vacuum force that operates on the second side of the print medium to deflect the print medium causing an increase in the wrap angle of the print medium around the aligned transport roller.