Simone Bolelli and Andrea Vavassori will end their three-year partnership as an elite tennis doubles team at the close of the 2026 season, Mundo Deportivo reported. The Italian pair, who formally joined forces ahead of the 2024 Australian Open after playing together initially in 2023, announced the impending split following their opening-round exit at the Shanghai Masters against Austin Krajicek and Nikola Mektic.
Shanghai Masters Defeat Marks the Beginning of the End for Bolelli and Vavassori
The parting of ways became official in China after Bolelli and Vavassori dropped a tight match to the American-Croatian duo of Krajicek and Mektic by a score of 6-7 (2), 7-6 (2), and 10-7. Mundo Deportivo noted that while the duo has plenty of tennis left on their 2025 and 2026 calendars, 2027 will see them pursue separate paths on the ATP Tour. The 40-year-old Bolelli has not yet named a partner for the future, while 31-year-old Vavassori has already lined up a new collaboration with Salvadoran doubles specialist Marcelo Arévalo, according to reports in the Italian press.
Ten ATP Titles and Grand Slam Near-Misses Define Their Three Years Together
During their tenure, Bolelli and Vavassori established themselves among the world’s most consistent doubles teams, capturing 10 ATP titles together. Their standout victory of the 2025 season came on home soil at the Internazionali BNL d’Italia in Rome. Despite their regular-season success, a major title at a Grand Slam or the ATP Finals eluded them. They reached three Grand Slam finals—finishing as runners-up at the Australian Open in both 2024 and 2025, as well as at Roland Garros in 2024. Bolelli previously captured a Grand Slam crown earlier in his career, winning the 2015 Australian Open alongside compatriot Fabio Fognini.
Turin ATP Finals Qualification and Davis Cup Ambitions Remain the Focus for 2025
Before their partnership concludes at the end of next season, Bolelli and Vavassori remain focused on immediate competitive goals. Currently ranked as the fifth-best doubles team of the year, they hold strong prospects of returning to the ATP Finals in Turin, a venue where they have shared significant moments. Additionally, both players hope to secure selection for the Italian Davis Cup team to defend the trophy in Bologna in front of their home supporters.
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