Mahut Claims Singles and Doubles Titles in Newport
Nicolas Mahut, a French wild card entry, won the Hall of Fame Tennis Championships on Sunday in Newport, R.I. He defeated Lleyton Hewitt, 2012 finalist and the number four seed, 5-7, 7-5, 6-3. Mahut will now move back into the top 100 of the Emirates ATP Rankings. Last month, Mahut claimed his first ATP World Tour title at the Topshelf Open.
Mahut started Sunday in a semifinal match against American Michael Russell, winning 6-2, 6-2. His success continued into the doubles semifinal, in which he partnered with Edouard Roger-Vasselin to beat Brazilians Marcelo Demoliner & Andre Sa, 6-4, 7-6(4).
Mahut & Roger-Vasselin then challenged Americans Tim Smyczek & Rhyne Williams on Monday in the doubles final at the Newport grass courts and were 6-7(4), 6-2, 10-5 victors over the American duo. With the doubles crown earned, Mahut became the first ‘double’ titlist at the Hall of Fame Tennis Championships since Rajeev Ram lifted the singles and doubles titles (w/ Jordan Kerr) in 2009, as did Dan Goldie in 1987.
"First to win the singles is a big accomplishment," said Mahut. "To win the same week, singles and doubles, it is the first time it has happened to me in my career, and it’s amazing. When I look back a month ago, I was ranked 240, then I played the French Open in doubles, won two titles, won another one in doubles, it’s just a great achievement. I just don’t think I even realize it all yet."
