Wesley Koolhof and Nikola Mektic took another strong step towards securing their Nitto ATP Finals qualifications Sunday by capturing their fourth title of 2024 at the Rolex Shanghai Masters. The duo brought some of their most clinical tennis to edge past Maximo Gonzalez and Andres Molteni 6-4, 6-4 in the championship match, saving 100 per cent (6/6) of break points faced during the contest, according to Infosys ATP Stats.

The victory in Shanghai was a crucial step for Koolhof and Mektic, who are aiming to qualify for the season-ending Nitto ATP Finals in Turin. The duo are currently in seventh place in the PIF ATP Live Doubles Teams Rankings, just 15 points behind sixth-placed Kevin Krawietz and Tim Puetz. With the Shanghai Masters title under their belts, Koolhof and Mektic have strengthened their bid to secure a coveted spot in the prestigious tournament.

A Crucial Win For Koolhof's Retirement Tour

Koolhof, who announced his retirement from professional tennis at the end of the season, was visibly thrilled with the victory. “The goal was to reach Turin, we knew what was at stake here,” said Koolhof. “This has been a great week. We are fighting for the last two spots, so this definitely helps. It would be nice to finish my career in Turin. We still have the Davis Cup Finals after that, so that will be special in other ways obviously [due to Rafael Nadal's retirement].”

A Resurgent Partnership

After three years with different partners, Koolhof and Mektic reunited in 2024 to reclaim their dominance on the doubles court. They have captured two ATP Masters 1000 titles this year, including the prestigious Indian Wells tournament. The Shanghai Masters victory further solidifies their status as one of the most formidable doubles teams in the world.

Mektic echoed his partner’s sentiments, highlighting the emotional rollercoaster of the week. “I think you can see by the look on our faces that we are just thrilled,” added Mektic. “It was such an emotional week. All the matches from the beginning were so tough. We came back from saving match points, being a set and a break down. We came up here today with our best tennis and I am so proud of us, so happy.”

Gonzalez and Molteni's Strong Showing

Gonzalez and Molteni, the runners-up in Shanghai, also had a strong tournament, reaching the finals after coming through three match tie-breaks. This impressive run propelled them to 10th place in the PIF ATP Live Doubles Teams Rankings.

A Glimpse into the Future

The Shanghai Masters doubles final provided a glimpse into the future of doubles tennis. The rising star duo, Gonzalez and Molteni, demonstrated their potential against experienced veterans Koolhof and Mektic. The close contest served as a reminder that the doubles landscape is in a constant state of flux, with new players emerging and challenging the established order. The dynamic competition ensures a captivating and unpredictable future for the doubles game. It will be interesting to see if Gonzalez and Molteni can carry their momentum into the upcoming season and compete for a place among the world's best.

The Shanghai Masters was a thrilling spectacle, highlighting the skill and passion of some of the world’s best doubles players. The tournament offered fans a captivating glimpse into the evolving landscape of doubles tennis, where established veterans and rising stars continue to battle for supremacy. The tournament served as a prelude to the Nitto ATP Finals, where the top eight doubles teams will converge for the ultimate showdown. The question remains, will Koolhof and Mektic be among them? The answer, it seems, hinges on their continued dominance on the court and their determination to finish their season on a high note in Turin.

The Road to Turin: A Tight Race

The race for the final two spots in the Nitto ATP Finals is a close one. With just a few tournaments left in the season, Koolhof and Mektic need to maintain their consistent performance and keep an eye on their rivals. The final weeks of the season will be a tense and exciting battle for the coveted spots in Turin, with the world’s best doubles teams vying for the chance to be crowned champions.

The Shanghai Masters doubles final was a fitting end to a thrilling tournament. It highlighted the exciting future of doubles tennis, with a mix of veteran experience and rising talent. As the season winds down, the focus now shifts towards the Nitto ATP Finals, where the top eight doubles teams will compete for the ultimate prize. With Koolhof and Mektic in hot pursuit of a spot in Turin, the final weeks of the season are sure to be filled with captivating competition.