LONDON, November 22, 2020 (ATP Press Release)
Mate Pavic and Bruno Soares have clinched the year-end No. 1 FedEx ATP Doubles Team Ranking after a strong finish to the 2020 season. Two years ago, Pavic finished in top spot with Oliver Marach, while Soares partnered Jamie Murray in 2016 to become the year-end No. 1 team.
The Croatian-Brazilian team, which completed Group Bob Bryan this week with a 2-1 record at The O2 in London, were assured of year-end No. 1 when Jurgen Melzer and Edouard Roger-Vasselin defeated Rajeev Ram and Joe Salisbury on Saturday in the semi-finals of the Nitto ATP Finals. Pavic and Soares had come into the season finale just 35 points ahead of second-placed Ram and Salisbury in the FedEx ATP Doubles Team Rankings.
“It’s a very special moment for us, finishing year-end No. 1,” said Soares. “I think it’s a massive achievement and it shows how well we played throughout the year. How consistent we were, winning big tournaments. So it’s a special thanks to Mate and our team. It’s very nice to start our first day of vacation celebrating a huge achievement like this. Right now, it’s time to rest, celebrate and enjoy all the beautiful moments we had on court, because we all know it’s been a very tough year for everyone.”
Pavic said: “I am very happy for Bruno and myself to end the year No. 1. It was a great partnership, and a good achievement to end the partnership.” Pavic will play with Nikola Mektic in 2021, while Soares will reunite with Murray.
Pavic and Soares, who compiled a 4-5 match record this season prior to the five-month ATP Tour suspension, returned strongly to capture their first Grand Slam championship team trophy in September at the US Open (d. Koolhof/Mektic). They went on to reach two finals in Paris — at Roland Garros (l. to Krawietz/Mies) in October and the Rolex Paris Masters (l. to Auger-Aliassime/Hurkacz) two weeks ago.
ATP Chairman Andrea Gaudenzi said: “The battle for the year-end No. 1 doubles team ranking has been closer than ever this year, with all eight teams entering the season finale with a chance to claim top spot. Our congratulations to Mate and Bruno – finishing the year as No. 1 is the ultimate achievement in our sport. They should be very proud of their season and they fully deserve this accolade.”
Melzer and Roger-Vasselin will face Wesley Koolhof and Mektic in the title match of the Nitto ATP Finals on Sunday.
