Nicolas Mahut Bids Emotional Farewell to Tennis at Paris Masters

French tennis player Nicolas Mahut concluded his professional career following a doubles defeat at the Paris Masters. The match, which took place on November 7, 2023, marked the end of a remarkable journey spanning 25 years in the sport.

Mahut, who is 43 years old, is celebrated for his impressive achievements, including five Grand Slam doubles titles. However, he is perhaps best known for his historic match against John Isner at Wimbledon in 2010, which remains the longest match in professional tennis history. That contest lasted an astonishing 11 hours and 5 minutes over three days, with the final set alone taking 8 hours and 11 minutes.

In his farewell match, Mahut partnered with Grigor Dimitrov but faced a challenging defeat, losing 6-4, 5-7, 10-4 to the duo of Hugo Nys and Edouard Roger-Vasselin. The emotional atmosphere was palpable as Mahut reflected on his career and the memories he holds dear.

“Being able to win Grand Slams was for me one of the best memories,” he expressed after the match. “That’s what I will remember. Beyond the titles, the trophies that I may have, it’s also ultimately everything that happened in order for me to achieve those trophies and victories.”

His sentiment highlighted not just his accolades but also the journey filled with challenges, doubts, and personal growth. “It’s all the doubts, the questioning, the mistakes I made,” he added. “That is ultimately what makes a career rich and mine is very rich in that regard.”

Mahut also revisited his iconic encounter with Isner, stating, “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.” His willingness to engage with this defining moment in his career underscores the significance it holds, even amidst the trials he faced.

The farewell at the Paris Masters was a poignant reminder of Mahut’s contributions to tennis, both in terms of his achievements and the indelible mark he has left on the sport. As he steps away from competitive play, he leaves behind a legacy that encompasses not only records but also a deep appreciation for the journey that brought him to this point.