Top doubles team Jamie Murray and Bruno Soares end partnership

Top doubles team Jamie Murray and Bruno Soares confirmed they will stop playing together following the French Open.

The pair won two Grand Slam titles and eight other trophies during their partnership, and reached No. 1 in 2016. At the French Open on Tuesday, they lost in the first round against Matteo Berretini and Lorenzo Sonego, their third straight first-round exit.

"I felt like now is the right time to change it up and do something different," Murray told British press.

Murray said it was his decision to stop the pairing, but denied that it had affected their performance at Paris.

“I didn’t find it weird,” said Murray. “We are still a great team.

“I am sure both of us wanted to go out with a great result and finish on a high. Sadly it wasn’t the case. Bruno’s one of my best friends on the tour and we had a lot of fun together."

That has not changed, according to Soares.

"It wasn’t a shock. I am very easy. I respect his decision," said the Brazilian player. "I don’t take it personally. It’s our job. If you are not happy with something you have got to try something different.”

Murray does not plan to play with his brother, three-time singles Grand Slam champion Andy, who is aiming to return from hip surgery by playing some doubles during the grass events.

The Scot Murray and a fellow British doubles player, Neal Skupski, will join forces.

Soares will play doubles with Croat Mate Pavic.