NEW YORK — British doubles specialists Joe Salisbury and Neal Skupski have stormed into the men's doubles final at the US Open, keeping their quest for a maiden Grand Slam title as a pairing firmly on track.
The fourth seeds produced a commanding performance on Thursday, dispatching the American-Dutch pairing of Nathaniel Lammons and Jackson Withrow 6-4, 6-4 in a brisk one hour and 14 minutes on the Grandstand court.
This marks the second consecutive year Salisbury and Skupski have reached the championship match at Flushing Meadows, having finished as runners-up to Rajeev Ram and Joe Salisbury in the 2023 final.
A Dominant Path to the Final
Salisbury and Skupski have been in imperious form throughout the fortnight, not dropping a single set on their path to the final. Their run has been a masterclass in consistency and teamwork.
Their victories en route include:
- A first-round win over Diego Hidalgo and Francisco Cabral
- A second-round defeat of Robert Galloway and Alex Lawson
- A quarter-final triumph against Hugo Nys and Jan Zieliński
Their semi-final performance was particularly clinical, breaking their opponents' serve once in each set and saving the only break point they faced in the match.
Chasing History and a First Slam Together
Both players are established forces in doubles, but a major title as a team has so far eluded them. Salisbury, a four-time Grand Slam champion in men's and mixed doubles, is seeking his third US Open men's doubles crown.
Skupski, the reigning Wimbledon men's doubles champion and a three-time mixed doubles major winner, is aiming for his first title in New York. After the match, Skupski emphasized their focus and determination:
"We came here with one goal: to win the title. We've put ourselves in a great position to do that now."
A Partnership Forged in Success
The British duo joined forces at the start of the 2023 season with the clear ambition of becoming the world's top team. Their chemistry was immediate, and they have since become a formidable presence on tour.
Salisbury, known for his powerful serve and rock-solid volleys at the net, complements Skupski's exceptional returning skills and tactical brilliance. Speaking about their partnership, Salisbury noted:
"We understand each other's games so well now. We trust each other completely on the court, and that's crucial in these big moments."
The Final Hurdle: A Tough Challenge Awaits
Standing between them and the trophy will be the winner of the other semi-final between top seeds Marcel Granollers and Horacio Zeballos and the unseeded but dangerous team of Max Purcell and Jordan Thompson.
A final against the experienced Spanish-Argentine duo of Granollers and Zeballos would be a repeat of this year's Cincinnati Masters final, which Salisbury and Skupski won in a match tie-break.
Whoever they face, the final promises to be a thrilling contest. The British pair will need to maintain their high level of play, characterized by:
- Exceptional first-serve percentages
- Aggressive returning to apply pressure
- Clinical execution on break point opportunities
A Boost for British Tennis
Their success provides a significant boost for British tennis, ensuring a British champion will be crowned in a US Open doubles final for the sixth consecutive year, a remarkable streak.
This run of success began with Jamie Murray and Bruno Soares in 2016 and has been continued by Salisbury's previous triumphs with Ram and now this consistent partnership with Skupski.
Conclusion: All Eyes on the Championship
As they prepare for the final, Salisbury and Skupski carry the momentum of an undefeated run and the confidence of knowing their games are perfectly synced. The stage is set for a spectacular conclusion to the US Open men's doubles event.
The entire British tennis community will be watching, hoping to see this talented duo finally capture the Grand Slam title that their dedication and skill so richly deserve.
The final, scheduled for Friday, promises high-quality tennis and intense drama as two teams battle for one of the sport's most prestigious prizes.