Tokyo ATP 500: Marcelo Melo takes the doubles title

The new Brazilian Marcelo Melo and American Mackenzie McDonald won the doubles title at the ATP 500 in Tokyo (Japan) on Sunday (8). In the final against his compatriot Rafael Matos, who played alongside Spaniard David Veja Hernandez, Melo won by 2 sets to 1 (6/4, 3/6 and 10-4). It was Melo’s first title this season, and his second at the Tokyo Open – the first was in 2015, alongside South African Raven Klaasen.

“Very happy for the victory. It’s an unexpected title, as it was the first time I was playing with Mc. However, at the same time, since the first match we have been playing incredibly well, beating very tough teams, including Rafa and Vega who come from being champions last week and made a top season,” said Melo, referring to the doubles title that Rafael Matos won at the ATP 250 in Sofia (Bulgaria).

With the title at the Tokyo Open, Melo will move up three spots and is expected to enter the top 40 of the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) world rankings. His next commitment will be the ATP 250 of Gijon (Spain), which starts on Monday (10), where he returns to compete alongside Klassen. The debut will be against the duo of Serbian Nikola Cacic and Monegasque Hugo Nys.