Against Doubles Partner, Mahut Breaks Through At Wimbledon
Against Doubles Partner, Mahut Breaks Through At Wimbledon
The four-time titlist makes the fourth round at a Grand Slam for the first time
Before Saturday, Nicolas Mahut’s 17-year career had seen him win four ATP World Tour singles titles – all on grass – and 15 tour-level doubles titles, including three consecutive ATP World Tour Masters 1000 tournaments earlier this season.
He and doubles partner Pierre-Hugues Herbert, a fellow Frenchman, also have enjoyed success at Grand Slams, winning the 2015 US Open. But before Saturday, Mahut had never reached the fourth round of a Grand Slam championship in singles. The 34 year old had reached the third round of a Grand Slam four previous times – 2006 Wimbledon (l. to Federer), 2012 Australian Open (l. to Djokovic), 2012 and 2015 Roland Garros (l. to Federer; l. to Simon).
On Saturday, his luck changed but it came at his partner’s expense: Mahut moved into the fourth round with a 7-6(5), 6-4, 3-6, 6-3 win over Herbert, who also was bidding to reach the fourth round of a Grand Slam championship for the first time in singles.
Both players sought to use their serve-and-volley skills that have been honed through hundreds of doubles matches. Mahut, No. 51 in the Emirates ATP Rankings, approached the net 44 times, winning almost 60 per cent of his chances. Herbert, No. 81 in the Emirates ATP Rankings, was even more aggressive and had more success, winning 67 per cent of his net points (32/48).
The 25-year-old Herbert likely will have more chances to reach the latter stages of a Grand Slam. This fortnight marked his third Wimbledon and his seventh Grand Slam championship as a singles player. Mahut, on the other hand, is playing in his 10th Wimbledon and his 42nd Grand Slam championship as a singles player.
He’ll next face American Sam Querrey, who toppled top seed Novak Djokovic on Saturday 7-6(6), 6-1, 3-6, 7-6(5).