This week will be heavily remembered by Nicolas Mahut as for the first time in his career he became the world's number one player in the doubles rankings. As expected, the accomplishment brought positive things for the Frenchman Mahut. "I felt a lot of pride and a bit of relief as well," Mahut told the French Tennis Federation.
Becoming the world's best in doubles
For some time, Mahut was in contention to becoming the number one doubles player in the world but was unable to do so before this week. After finally achieving his lifelong goal, Mahut did admit that going through all that wasn't exactly an easy thing. "I watched closely the ranking points, the results of my opponent, it became a little difficult" revealed the 34-year-old.
Mahut, who has such a strong team with fellow compatriot Pierre-Hugues Herbert, noted that after becoming the number one player in doubles in that specific competition that he and his partner can focus on winning tournaments.
Partnership with Herbert
Over the last 18 months, he and Herbert have reached eight finals on the ATP Tour, capturing the 2015 US Open title defeating Jamie Murray and John Peers and have recently gone on to win three straight ATP World Tour Masters 1000 trophies at the BNP Paribas Open defeating Vasek Pospisil and Jack Sock, Miami Open defeating Raven Klaasen and Rajeev Ram and the Monte Carlo Rolex Masters defeating Bruno Soares and Murray.
He and his partner Herbert won't have to wait long before getting on with their next challenge as they are expected to make their appearance at the Aegon Championships which are underway from June 13 until the 19.
At 34-year-old, Nico Mahut adds another line to the history books: a Frenchman at No. 1 in the Emirates ATP Doubles Rankings.