Nicolas Mahut experienced a moment of shock at the start of the ATP finals in London. The Frenchman fell heavily, but was able to continue. Now the double specialist gives the all-clear for the time being.
Relax at the French doubles at the ATP finals in London: Nicolas Mahut can continue alongside Pierre Hugues Herbert. For now.
During the opening match against the number-one duo Oliver Marach and Mate Pavic, Mahut crashed over one of the linesmen’s gangs on his way back and then stopped with a pain distorted face. The fall was followed by a prolonged break from treatment on the court, but Mahut continued the game.
Despite the 4:6, 6:7 (3)-first defeat, Mahut and Herbert can take something positive out of the match. Mahut announced after the game: “Yes, I am in pain. But the good news is I didn’t break anything. Now I have 24 hours to see what it’s like, but I think it’ll work on Wednesday.”
The fall is here in the video:
In their second match in London’s O2 Arena, the all-French duo are already under pressure. Mahut/Herbert have to win against Marcelo Melo and Lukasz Kubot in order to have a chance to reach the semi-finals of the tournament of the best eight duos of the season.
Despite a few Masters tournaments, the former world number one have not yet won the ATP finals. Mahut/Herbert won four tournaments this year, including the Grand Slam title in front of a home crowd in Roland Garros.