Tennis at the 2012 Summer Olympics – Men's doubles

Background

This was the 14th appearance of men's doubles tennis at the Summer Olympics, having been held at every Games where tennis was on the program from 1896 to 1924 and from 1988 onward, with a demonstration event in 1968. The Bryan brothers had been top seeds in 2004 and 2008, winning bronze in Beijing. Defending champions Roger Federer and Stan Wawrinka returned, as did 2000 gold medalist Daniel Nestor. Colombia made its debut in the event; France and Great Britain each made their 11th appearance, tied for most among nations.

Qualification

Qualification for the men's doubles was primarily based on the ATP ranking list of 11 June 2012, with players required to have been available for two Davis Cup events between 2009 and 2012. Nations could enter up to four players (two pairs) since 2004, with a limit of six male players total across singles and doubles. Doubles players ranked 10 or better qualified directly and could choose any ranked singles or doubles player from their nation as a partner. The ITF allocated remaining places based on ranking and continental and national representation.

Did You Know?

• The bronze-medal match was won by France's Julien Benneteau and Richard Gasquet over Spain's David Ferrer and Feliciano López, 7–6(7–4), 6–2.
• Switzerland's Roger Federer and Stan Wawrinka, the defending gold medalists, lost in the second round to Israel's Jonathan Erlich and Andy Ram.