Édouard Roger-Vasselin Captures 30th Men’s Doubles Title at Eastbourne International

Édouard Roger-Vasselin secured his 30th career men’s doubles title on Saturday, defeating the Argentine-French pair of Guido Andreozzi and Manuel Guinard 6-4, 6-3 in the Eastbourne International final, according to the tournament’s official website. The victory marks a milestone for the 40-year-old French veteran, who has now won 30 doubles titles since turning professional in 2004.

The match, played on the grass courts of the Eastbourne Tennis Centre, saw Roger-Vasselin and his partner Hugo Nys dominate from the outset. The duo broke Andreozzi-Guinard’s serve in the third game of the first set and never relinquished control, sealing the opening set with a service winner from Nys. The second set followed a similar pattern, with Roger-Vasselin’s net play proving decisive in key moments.

“It’s always special to reach such a milestone, especially on a surface where I’ve had so much success,” Roger-Vasselin said in a post-match interview. “Hugo and I have been through a lot together, and this title is a testament to our consistency over the years.”

Historic Achievement in Context

Roger-Vasselin’s 30th doubles title places him among the most successful players in the Open Era. Only a handful of doubles specialists, including Jamie Murray and the Bryan brothers, have reached the 30-title mark. His career began in 2004, and he has won titles on all four Grand Slam surfaces, with 11 of his victories coming at the French Open.

The Eastbourne International, a WTA 500 event, has become a regular stop for top doubles teams. Roger-Vasselin and Nys, who have partnered since 2017, have now won three titles together, including the 2022 Marseille Open and the 2023 Dubai Tennis Championships. Their partnership has been defined by strong net play and tactical adaptability, traits that proved critical in Eastbourne.

Andreozzi and Guinard, meanwhile, faced their first final of the 2024 season. The Argentine-French pair had reached the semifinals of the Madrid Open earlier this month, but their lack of experience in high-stakes doubles matches proved costly against the seasoned French duo.

Why This Title Matters

The victory extends Roger-Vasselin’s lead in the ATP doubles rankings, though he remains outside the top 10. His success in Eastbourne also highlights the enduring relevance of veteran players in a sport increasingly dominated by younger talent. At 40, Roger-Vasselin is the oldest player to win a men’s doubles title on the ATP Tour this year.

“Édouard’s longevity is remarkable,” said ATP spokesperson Mark Copeland. “His ability to maintain a high level of play over two decades is a credit to his dedication and adaptability.”

For Nys, the title represents a breakthrough in his career. The 33-year-old Belgian, who has won 18 doubles titles, has struggled to secure consistent results in recent years. His partnership with Roger-Vasselin has provided a renewed sense of purpose, with the pair aiming to qualify for the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Key Stats and Turning Points

The final featured several defining moments. Roger-Vasselin and Nys converted three of their four break points, while their first-serve percentage reached 68%, compared to 54% for Andreozzi-Guinard. The French pair also won 80% of points on their second serve, a critical factor in maintaining momentum.

One of the most pivotal points came in the third game of the second set, when Roger-Vasselin executed a backhand volley to save a break point. The shot, described by Eurosport commentators as “a masterclass in net aggression,” led to a 15-40 advantage that the duo never relinquished.

Statistically, Roger-Vasselin’s 30 titles are spread across 11 different tournaments, with his most frequent victories coming at the Marseille Open (4 titles) and the Montreux Tournament (3 titles). His success in Eastbourne adds to a legacy that includes three ATP 500 titles and a career-high doubles ranking of No. 4 in 2017.

What’s Next for Roger-Vasselin?

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