Farewell to Nicolas Mahut: "I no longer care that the biggest memory of my career is associated with a defeat"

Fernando Murciego | 29 Oct 2025 | 17.03

Nicolas Mahut retired from tennis at the Paris Masters 2025. Source: Getty

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Although it seems like we have read this news several times, the reality is that Nicolas Mahut has retired again. This time it seems definitive, putting an end at the Rolex Paris Masters 2025, where he teamed up with Grigor Dimitrov in his last appearance.

Nicolas Mahut leaves, taking with him 25 years of professional tennis. One of those players who managed to reinvent himself once off the singles circuit, that's where he began to build a legendary career as a doubles player. Five Grand Slam titles, world number 1 in the discipline, a Davis Cup, and, if that wasn't enough, a historic encounter at Wimbledon 2010 that secured his place in all record books. A journey filled with frustrations but also unforgettable moments captured in photographs, an album that last night closed with the final picture at the Rolex Paris Masters 2025 alongside Grigor Dimitrov, his last partner on the court.

"Looking back and seeing all those numbers is a source of pride," acknowledged ATP after losing to Nys and Vaselina by 6-4, 5-7, and 10-4. "Perhaps I wasn't strong enough to leave my mark on the tennis world through my record, but I did find a way to be forever associated with Wimbledon, which, for me, is the best tournament in the world. When I went this year with my son, we walked through the halls and he found my name on one of them, my name, which is also his. That filled me with pride; ultimately, there is nothing more beautiful for me," said the 43-year-old, a professional since the 2000 season.

"Being able to win Grand Slam titles is one of my best memories as a professional," emphasized a man who managed to reign in all four major venues. "Yes, beyond the titles or trophies I may have, I will always remember all the things that happened for me to conquer those titles and all those victories. I am also referring to the tough moments, such as doubts, personal questioning, or the mistakes I made. In the end, all of that is what enriches a career, so mine was very enriching in that sense," analyzed the Frenchman.

But if there was something that constantly refueled Nicolas's excitement, it was the Davis Cup, which he lifted in 2017 alongside the rest of his teammates. "This tournament has guided my entire career," that's why I always wanted to play it because it made me dream. I wanted to be a tennis player after watching the 1991 Davis Cup; this was what made me make the decision, but I didn't know what I had to do. From that moment on, it was clear to me, this is what I wanted to do, and this is the tournament I wanted to win. No matter how much effort it took until it happened, the point is that I ended up grasping the trophy by the handle," he recalled emotionally.

Nicolas Mahut and the match that made history

With an exceptional career trajectory and a longevity within the reach of very few, most fans will remember Nicolas Mahut for the match he played against John Isner in the first round of Wimbledon 2010. A match that lasted three days and ended in the fifth set with a score of 70-68. A sports story to the point that some don't even remember who won. The Frenchman remembers it well; it even haunted him, but once mature, he understood that having a presence on that stage was a gift destiny had reserved for him. Today, he even boasts about it.

Nicolas Mahut after his last professional match. Source: Getty

"That will remain somehow in the memory of an entire generation, which is not a bad thing at all. For me, it was a very painful moment, like a suspended moment that felt quite suspended at the time. Inevitably, that is one of my greatest memories as a professional; at first, it was even annoying because I was tired of being the loser of that match. Now, however, I enjoy talking about that crazy experience. It was something that brought me a lot as a player and as a person; I don't mind being so associated with a defeat because after that I managed to achieve great things," concludes the Frenchman.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Adiós a Nicolas Mahut: “Ya no me importa que el mayor recuerdo de mi carrera esté asociado a una derrota”

ATP