PARIS — Great Britain's hopes of crowning their first French Open men's doubles champions since 1933 were dashed on Saturday as Joe Salisbury and Neal Skupski fell short in a hard-fought final against the experienced pairing of Marcel Granollers and Horacio Zeballos.
The British duo, seeded fourth, were bidding to make history at Roland Garros but were ultimately overpowered 6-4, 6-3 by the Spanish-Argentine veterans, who claimed their second Grand Slam title together after their 2019 US Open triumph.
A Disappointing End to a Strong Campaign
Salisbury and Skupski had been in impressive form throughout the tournament, dropping just one set en route to the final. Their run included a thrilling semifinal victory over top seeds Wesley Koolhof and Nikola Mektić, raising hopes that they could become the first British pair to lift the trophy in Paris since Pat Hughes and Raymond Tuckey 91 years ago.
However, Granollers and Zeballos, who had previously reached the French Open final in 2021, proved too strong on the day. The No. 9 seeds capitalized on their superior experience, dominating key moments with their aggressive net play and precise serving.
Key Moments That Turned the Match
The match swung decisively in the opening set when Granollers and Zeballos broke Salisbury's serve at 4-4. The British pair had held firm until then, but a combination of unforced errors and their opponents' relentless pressure proved costly.
- First Set Break: A double fault from Salisbury at 30-40 handed Granollers and Zeballos the crucial break.
- Second Set Momentum: The British duo failed to convert two break points early in the second set, which could have shifted the momentum.
- Serve Struggles: Skupski’s first-serve percentage dropped to just 58% in the second set, allowing their opponents to attack his second serve.
Speaking after the match, Salisbury admitted, "We had our chances, but they were just too solid when it mattered. They’ve been one of the best teams for years, and today they showed why."
Granollers & Zeballos: A Long-Awaited Triumph
For Granollers, 38, and Zeballos, 39, this victory was a testament to their enduring partnership. The pair had lost in three previous Grand Slam finals (2019 Wimbledon, 2021 French Open, 2023 US Open) before finally securing their second major title.
Zeballos, who became the oldest men’s doubles champion in French Open history, said, "This means everything. We’ve worked so hard for this moment, and to finally win here in Paris is a dream come true."
What’s Next for the British Pair?
Despite the disappointment, Salisbury and Skupski remain one of the most consistent teams on tour. They have now reached finals at three of the four Grand Slams (missing only the Australian Open) and will be strong contenders at Wimbledon next month.
Skupski, who won the 2023 Wimbledon mixed doubles title with Desirae Krawczyk, remained optimistic: "We’ll learn from this and come back stronger. Grass is our best surface, and we’ll be ready for SW19."
Historical Context & British Drought
The wait for a British men’s doubles champion at Roland Garros continues. The last British winners, Hughes and Tuckey, triumphed in an era when doubles was still a prominent feature of the sport. Since then, only a handful of British players have reached the final:
- 2012: Jonathan Marray reached the final with Frederik Nielsen but lost.
- 2016: Jamie Murray and Bruno Soares fell in the semifinals.
- 2024: Salisbury and Skupski’s run was the closest Britain has come in nearly a century.
Tennis historian Richard Evans noted, "Doubles has often been overlooked in British tennis, but Salisbury and Skupski are changing that. Their consistency at the highest level is remarkable."
Conclusion: A Valiant Effort
While the result was not what British fans had hoped for, Salisbury and Skupski’s performance throughout the tournament reinforced their status as one of the world’s elite doubles teams. Their chemistry and tactical adaptability make them genuine contenders at every major.
As the clay season concludes, attention now turns to the grass courts, where the British pair will aim to bounce back. With Wimbledon just weeks away, they have a golden opportunity to make amends and finally end Britain’s long wait for a men’s doubles Grand Slam title.