MAIO/STARNBERG, May 23, 2025

Twenty times at Roland Garros. Upon arriving in Paris for the 2025 edition of the French Grand Slam, Marcelo Melo received a special tribute to mark his milestone: a replica of the locker room door from Court Philippe Chatrier, celebrating his 20th appearance at the tournament. This year’s event, running from May 25 to June 8, also marks the 70th Grand Slam of Melo’s career.

“I received this really nice gift — the locker door — to commemorate my 20th Roland Garros. It’s a tournament filled with amazing memories for me,” said Melo, who is sponsored by Centauro, BMG, and Alto Giro, with support from Volvo, Head, and Asics.

Melo won his first Grand Slam title at Roland Garros in 2015, partnering with Croatian Ivan Dodig — a year in which he also rose to World No. 1 in the doubles rankings. The pair defeated the legendary Bryan brothers, Bob and Mike, in the final. In 2017, Melo went on to win Wimbledon alongside Poland’s Lukasz Kubot.

So far, the Brazilian has played 50 matches at Roland Garros, claiming 33 victories. His journey at the tournament began as a junior in 2001, followed by 18 consecutive main-draw appearances between 2007 and 2024. Now, in 2025, he returns for a historic 20th edition.

Roland Garros has also been the site of major career milestones for Melo, including his 400th win on tour in 2017 and his 600th in 2023. Over the years, he has closely followed the work of the French Tennis Federation and highlights the importance of initiatives like the Roland Garros Junior Series in Brazil, which supports emerging South American talent.

Que bonitinha a mini portinha de locker que Marcelo Melo recebeu de Roland Garros pela 20ª participação no torneio. pic.twitter.com/TZgoKxt1Dd

— Aliny Calejon (@alcalejon) May 23, 2025

Teaming up with Rafael Matos again

For the second consecutive year, Melo partners with fellow Brazilian Rafael Matos in Paris. The duo is preparing at Roland Garros while awaiting their first-round match.

This is Melo’s 19th season on the ATP Tour and his second alongside Matos. Since forming the partnership last year, the pair has won the Rio Open (ATP 500) in February 2025 and the ATP 250 in Stuttgart in 2024. They’ve also been runners-up at the ATP 500 in Washington and the ATP 250 in Buenos Aires.

Melo has now amassed 648 career wins, including eight so far in 2025. He currently holds the No. 45 spot in the ATP Doubles Rankings with 1,955 points, while Matos is ranked No. 35 with 2,320.

A record-breaking career

At 41 years old, Marcelo Melo holds numerous records in Brazilian tennis history:

Most ATP titles (39) – all in doubles

Two Grand Slams – Roland Garros (2015) and Wimbledon (2017)

Nine Masters 1000 titles

Record 56 weeks as World No. 1 in doubles

First Brazilian to reach World No. 1 in doubles

Top 10 for eight consecutive seasons

Most Grand Slam appearances (69)

Most appearances at the ATP Finals (8)

First active doubles player to reach 1,000 matches (Atlanta 2023)

His first ATP title came in Estoril, Portugal, in 2007. Alongside his two Grand Slam titles, Melo was runner-up at Wimbledon in 2013, and the US Open in 2018, reaching the semifinals there on two other occasions. He also boasts nine Masters 1000 titles, including Shanghai (2013, 2015), Paris (2015, 2017), Toronto (2016), Cincinnati (2016), Miami (2017), and Madrid (2017).

Highlights of recent seasons

2025
Champion:
– Rio Open (ATP 500) – Rio de Janeiro
Runner-up:
– ATP 250 – Buenos Aires, Argentina

2024
Champion:
– ATP 250 – Stuttgart, Germany
Runner-up:
– ATP Masters 1000 – Monte Carlo, Monaco
– ATP 500 – Washington, United States