NEW YORK — British doubles specialists Joe Salisbury and Neal Skupski have successfully navigated their way into the third round of the US Open men's doubles, securing a hard-fought three-set victory over the young American wildcard pairing of Maxwell Exsted and Cooper Woestendick on a bustling Friday at Flushing Meadows. The final scoreline read 6-3, 3-6, 6-3 in favor of the experienced British duo.
The win provides a significant boost to British tennis fortunes in New York, though the news was not all positive. In the women's draw, Britain's Katie Boulter and her partner, compatriot Sonay Kartal, saw their campaign come to an end in the second round, falling to a formidable opponent.
A Test of Experience Against Youthful Exuberance
Salisbury and Skupski, the tournament's 14th seeds, entered the match as overwhelming favorites on paper against the unseeded American teenagers. Exsted, 19, and Woestendick, 18, however, displayed a fearlessness that belied their age and lack of Grand Slam experience, refusing to be intimidated by the occasion or their decorated opponents. The Brits’ vast experience, which includes multiple Grand Slam titles between them, ultimately proved to be the decisive factor in a match that was far from straightforward.
The first set went according to the seeding, with Salisbury and Skupski breaking serve and comfortably closing it out 6-3. Their superior returning and crisp net play seemed to set the tone. However, the second set saw a dramatic shift in momentum. Emboldened by a supportive home crowd on Court 4, the American duo raised their level significantly, finding sharp angles and powerful returns to break the Brits' serve and take the set 6-3, forcing a decider.
Regrouping and Seizing the Moment
Faced with a potential upset, the British pair relied on their championship mettle. They regrouped during the set break, tightening their service games and reasserting their dominance at the net. The crucial break of serve came midway through the third set, a testament to their patience and precision under pressure. From there, they never looked back, serving out the match to love to seal their place in the next round.
Speaking to the press after the match, Neal Skupski acknowledged the challenge posed by their young opponents. "Credit to them, they played a great match, especially in that second set. They came out firing, had nothing to lose, and it showed. We had to really dig deep and use our experience to get through that one. It’s never easy playing a home team, but we’re happy to be through."
Contrasting Fortunes for British Players
While the men celebrated, it was a day of disappointment for Britain's Katie Boulter and Sonay Kartal in the women's doubles. The British pair were defeated in straight sets, 6-3, 6-3, by the 16th seeds, Asia Muhammad and American partner Alycia Parks. Muhammad and Parks proved too powerful and consistent, neutralizing Boulter's aggressive groundstrokes and capitalizing on key break points.
The loss ends a promising run for Kartal, who had battled through qualifying to reach the main draw in singles and was enjoying a strong debut in the US Open doubles. For Boulter, the focus will now shift entirely to her third-round singles match against Peyton Stearns, where she will carry the hopes of British tennis alone.
Looking Ahead: A Formidable Challenge Awaits
The victory sets up a blockbuster third-round clash for Salisbury and Skupski. They are slated to face the winner of the match between the second seeds, Rohan Bopanna and Matthew Ebden, and the German pair of Yannick Hanfmann and Dominik Koepfer. This represents a significant step up in competition, pitting them against one of the most consistent and powerful teams on tour.
Joe Salisbury emphasized the importance of the win and the need to improve. "A win is a win in a Grand Slam, and we’ll take the positives from getting through a tough battle. We know we need to play better, and we will have to be at our absolute best in the next round regardless of who we play. The level only gets higher from here."
Keys to Victory in the Next Round
To advance to the quarter-finals, the British pair will need to execute their game plan flawlessly. Their success will likely hinge on a few critical factors:
- First Serve Percentage: Maintaining a high first-serve percentage to avoid exposing their second serves to aggressive returns.
- Net Dominance: Continuing their sharp volleying and effective poaching to control the net.
- Return Pressure: Applying constant pressure on their opponents' service games, a hallmark of their partnership.
Their potential opponents, Bopanna and Ebden, are seasoned veterans with a Grand Slam title to their name (Australian Open 2024) and are known for their big serves and aggressive play. It would be a classic matchup of firepower versus tactical doubles excellence.
A Pillar of British Tennis Success
The continued success of Salisbury and Skupski in major tournaments remains a cornerstone of British tennis. With a mix of powerful serving, agile net play, and proven mental fortitude, they consistently demonstrate their ability to compete with the very best in the world. Their deep run at Wimbledon, where they reached the semi-finals, has provided a solid foundation of confidence for the remainder of the season.
As the US Open progresses, all eyes will be on this British pairing to see if they can navigate the toughest section of the draw and make a serious push for the title. Their second-round victory, while tested, has shown they have the grit required to win even when not playing their absolute best tennis—a vital trait for any aspiring champion.
The third-round match is scheduled to be played on Sunday, offering the team a day of rest and preparation for what promises to be their biggest challenge of the tournament so far. The British fans in New York and those watching from home will be hoping their journey is far from over.