Mahut/Roger-Vasselin Fly Flag For France In Metz

Both Nicolas Mahut and Edouard Roger-Vasselin had won the Moselle Open three times before arriving in Metz this week, each doing so with three different partners. But on Sunday, the Frenchmen doubles up for the first time, beating brothers Ken Skupski and Neal Skupski 6-1, 7-5 in 58 minutes to capture their second title at the event as a team.

“It was a great week with Nicolas,” said Roger-Vasselin. “I am really happy that I forced him to come here and at the end of the week we have the trophy. It was definitely a great week for us.”

The top seeds are now 33-12 as a pair, clinching their fifth triumph together. It is Mahut and Roger-Vasselin’s first victory as a duo since 2013, when they earned the crown at the Dell Technologies Hall of Fame Open.

Mahut partners Pierre-Hugues Herbert full-time, and they are currently ninth in the ATP Race To London, as the Frenchmen attempt to qualify for the season finale for the fourth consecutive year. But it was a successful reunion for Mahut and Roger-Vasselin in their home country, winning all eight sets they played en route to the championship.

“Winning in France is special, but winning twice here [together] and, for both of us it is the fourth time [overall], it is something big,” said Mahut. “We hope to have a fifth one next year.”

Besides Mahut adding a 23rd tour-level doubles trophy and Roger-Vasselin tallying his 15th crown, they both add 250 ATP Doubles Rankings points and split €27,170 in prize money. They are also the ninth all-French team to capture the title in Metz, and the second in a row, as Roger-Vasselin was victorious with Julien Benneteau in 2017.

It was a successful week for their opponents, Skupski/Skupski, as the brothers came within one match of earning their second triumph together. While they are from Great Britain, they have enjoyed a fair amount of success in France.

Ken Skupski lifted his maiden ATP World Tour trophy in Metz nine years ago (w/ Fleming), and they won their first title together earlier this year in Montpellier. Despite falling short, they both earn 150 points and a share of €14,280.

Did You Know?
Mahut and Roger-Vasselin dominated on serve in the final, dropping just one point on their first serves (28/29).