Post by : Maya Rahman

French tennis star Nicolas Mahut has officially retired, closing a remarkable career that spanned over 25 years. The 43-year-old player, best known for his unforgettable match against American John Isner at Wimbledon in 2010, played his final professional game at the Paris Masters. Mahut’s farewell came after his doubles loss alongside Bulgarian partner Grigor Dimitrov to Hugo Nys and Edouard Roger-Vasselin, 6-4, 5-7, 10-4, on home soil.

For Mahut, finishing his career in Paris was a fitting conclusion. The French capital has always been a special place for him — both as a competitor and as a proud representative of his country. After the match, Mahut was visibly emotional as he addressed the crowd, his family, and fellow players. “Being able to win Grand Slams is one of my best memories,” he said. “That’s what I will remember. Beyond the titles and trophies, it’s everything that happened for me to achieve those victories.” His farewell drew warm applause from the audience, who honored his long and dedicated service to the sport.

Mahut will forever be remembered for his legendary 2010 Wimbledon first-round match against John Isner. The match, which lasted 11 hours and five minutes over three days, remains the longest professional tennis match in history. The fifth set alone took eight hours and 11 minutes — a record that itself would have broken any other match duration. Though Mahut ultimately lost that battle 70–68 in the final set, it immortalized his name in tennis history. The two players shared mutual respect, and the match became a symbol of endurance, sportsmanship, and mental strength.

While many fans recall Mahut for the Wimbledon marathon, his success in doubles was equally outstanding. Over his career, he won five Grand Slam doubles titles — four at Wimbledon and one at the U.S. Open — often partnering with fellow Frenchman Pierre-Hugues Herbert. The pair became one of the most successful doubles teams of their generation, known for their teamwork, creativity, and chemistry on the court. Their victories helped cement Mahut’s reputation as one of the finest doubles players in the modern era.

Mahut’s journey in tennis was marked by perseverance. Turning professional in the late 1990s, he spent years battling through lower-tier tournaments before finding his rhythm on the ATP Tour. He played both singles and doubles with equal commitment, achieving a career-high singles ranking of world number 37 in 2014 and a doubles ranking of world number one in 2016. His ability to reinvent himself as a doubles specialist later in his career showed his adaptability and love for the game.

After his final match, Mahut reflected deeply on the highs and lows of his tennis life. “It’s all the doubts, the questioning, the mistakes I made. That’s what makes a career rich, and mine is very rich in that regard,” he said. For Mahut, the beauty of tennis went beyond the trophies. It was about the people he met, the lessons he learned, and the experiences that shaped him both as a player and as a person. He also expressed pride in how the sport had evolved during his time and in his role in inspiring future French players.

Although that famous Wimbledon match ended in defeat, Mahut now looks back on it with fondness. “I now enjoy talking about that match because it was a crazy experience. It brought me a lot as a player and as a man,” he said. The encounter, watched by millions around the world, remains one of the most iconic moments in tennis history. It tested every ounce of endurance both physically and mentally, turning Mahut into a household name.

As Mahut steps away from competitive tennis, his legacy remains secure. He leaves behind not just records but also an example of determination, humility, and professionalism. Younger players often cite him as a role model for his dedication and love for the sport. Whether through his doubles success or his unforgettable Wimbledon performance, Mahut’s impact on tennis will continue to be celebrated.

Though Mahut has retired from professional play, he hinted that he will stay connected to tennis in some capacity. Coaching, mentoring, or working with France’s tennis federation could be on the horizon. For now, he plans to spend more time with his family and enjoy a well-earned break after decades on tour. “It’s time to turn the page, but I’ll always carry tennis in my heart,” he said with a smile.

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