LONDON — British tennis duo Julian Cash and Lloyd Glasspool made history at the prestigious Queen’s Club Championships, becoming the first all-British pairing to win the men’s doubles title in the Open era. The pair delivered a dominant performance, defeating the experienced French team of Nicolas Mahut and Édouard Roger-Vasselin 6-4, 6-4 in a thrilling final.
The victory marks a significant milestone for British tennis, as no homegrown duo had lifted the trophy at Queen’s since the tournament’s inception in 1890. "It’s an incredible feeling," said Glasspool, who hails from Warrington. "To make history here, in front of a home crowd, is something we’ll never forget."
A Breakthrough Week for British Tennis
Cash and Glasspool’s triumph was built on a week of exceptional teamwork and resilience. The unseeded pair navigated a challenging draw, defeating higher-ranked opponents with a mix of aggressive net play and precise serving. Their path to the final included victories over:
- Top seeds Marcelo Arévalo and Jean-Julien Rojer in the quarterfinals
- Third seeds Jamie Murray and Michael Venus in the semifinals
Their success was particularly sweet for Cash, who had previously struggled to break through on the ATP Tour. "This win validates all the hard work we’ve put in," he said. "Playing alongside Lloyd has brought out the best in me."
The Final: A Masterclass in Doubles Play
Facing Mahut and Roger-Vasselin—a team with multiple Grand Slam titles—Cash and Glasspool remained composed under pressure. Their strategy centered on:
- Dominating first-serve points (winning 85% of them)
- Capitalizing on break-point opportunities (converting 3 of 4)
- Maintaining aggressive positioning at the net
The French duo, known for their chemistry, were left frustrated by the Brits’ relentless energy. "They played the big points better," admitted Mahut. "Credit to them—they deserved it."
A Turning Point in the Match
The pivotal moment came in the seventh game of the second set, when Cash fired a reflex volley winner to secure the break. Glasspool later sealed the match with an ace, sparking wild celebrations from the home crowd. "The atmosphere was electric," Glasspool said. "Hearing the crowd roar after that last point was surreal."
What This Means for British Tennis
The victory has reignited optimism for British doubles tennis, which has often lived in the shadow of the country’s singles success. With Andy Murray’s legendary career winding down, the emergence of Cash and Glasspool provides a new narrative. Tennis analyst Mark Petchey noted, "This could be the start of something special. They complement each other perfectly—Cash’s athleticism and Glasspool’s power make them a nightmare to play against."
The pair’s chemistry extends beyond the court. Both 28 years old, they’ve been friends since their junior days and reunited as partners last year after brief stints with other players. "We understand each other’s game instinctively," Cash explained. "That trust is what got us through tough moments this week."
Looking Ahead: Wimbledon and Beyond
With momentum on their side, Cash and Glasspool now turn their attention to Wimbledon, where they’ll aim to continue their dream run. Their Queen’s victory guarantees a seeding at SW19, a first for both players. "We’re not done yet," Glasspool said with a grin. "This is just the beginning."
The historic win also carries ranking implications, propelling both into the ATP’s Top 30 doubles players. For British tennis fans, it’s a long-awaited breakthrough—proof that the country can produce world-class doubles teams to match its singles stars. As the champagne flowed in the Queen’s clubhouse, one thing was clear: Cash and Glasspool had etched their names into British tennis lore.