Tennis at the 1908 Summer Olympics – Men's outdoor doubles

Background

This was the fourth appearance of the men's doubles tennis, an event held at every Summer Olympics with tennis on the program from 1896 to 1924 and from 1988 onward. In 1908, for the first of two times, an indoor version was held concurrently. Teams of mixed nationality, previously permitted, were no longer allowed. The British brothers Laurence Doherty and Reginald Doherty had dominated the late 1890s and early 1900s, winning the 1900 Olympic championship and eight consecutive Wimbledon titles.

Laurence retired in 1906, so Reginald partnered with George Hillyard for the 1908 tournament. Arthur Gore and Herbert Roper Barrett, winners of the indoor doubles, were among the notable late scratches. Austria, Bohemia, Canada, Hungary, the Netherlands, and South Africa each debuted in the event; Germany and Great Britain each made their third appearance, tied for most among nations.