Melo Plays 1,000th Match: 'It Is Huge For Me'

Marcelo Melo celebrated a milestone in style on Monday when he partnered John Peers into the second round of the Atlanta Open.

The victory over Luis David Martinez and Reese Stalder marked the Brazilian’s 1,000th tour-level match. Melo now owns a 608-392 record.

“It means a lot. I think it means I’ve had so far a very good career, long term, many years on Tour winning of course a lot of matches,” Melo said. “It is huge for me actually to be able to play 1,000 matches so far.”

^{Photo: Alex Smith/Atlanta Open}
It is just the latest of several achievements for Melo, a 37-time tour-level titlist who has reached No. 1 in the Pepperstone ATP Doubles Rankings. Beyond the accolades, the 39-year-old loves what he does.

“I think that's why I'm still playing,” Melo said. “I always say the day I stop enjoying tennis, I [will] stop playing. So I'm really enjoying coming out like today, we played on centre court, lots of people watching the match. [I got] this cake after the match for the 1,000th [match]. This recognition means a lot to me.”

Melo became the only active player to reach 1,000 tour-level matches and the 14th on record, joining an elite group led by Daniel Nestor (1,550), Mike Bryan (1,523) and Bob Bryan (1,468). Melo’s partner, Peers, shared praise for the Brazilian.

"It's one hell of an effort,” Peers said. "It shows his longevity and commitment to the sport. It shows how good he's been, his resilience over the years. It's a real credit to him."