NEW YORK — In a gut-wrenching finale on the hallowed grounds of Arthur Ashe Stadium, British hopes were dashed as the top-seeded duo of Joe Salisbury and Neal Skupski fell just short of the US Open men's doubles title, succumbing to the formidable third seeds, Marcel Granollers of Spain and Horacio Zeballos of Argentina.
The final scoreline of 7-6(5), 7-6(10) in favor of Granollers and Zeballos tells a story of a match decided by the finest of margins, a contest so tight that not a single service break was recorded over two intensely fought sets that lasted one hour and 54 minutes.
For Salisbury and Skupski, this defeat marks a second consecutive runner-up finish at Flushing Meadows, having lost in the 2023 final to Rajeev Ram and Salisbury's former partner, Joe Salisbury. The quest for a first major title as a pair continues, a narrative of near-misses that will undoubtedly fuel their fire in the seasons to come.
A Tale of Two Tie-Breaks
The match was a masterclass in serving and returning under immense pressure. Both teams held serve with authority throughout, leading to the inevitable and dramatic conclusion in tie-breaks. The first set tie-break was a tense affair, with the Argentine-Spanish pairing edging it 7-5 to seize the early advantage.
The second set followed an almost identical script, with neither pair yielding an inch on their serve. It culminated in a championship-deciding tie-break that was nothing short of epic. The Brits fought valiantly, saving two championship points, but were ultimately unable to convert two set points of their own that would have forced a decisive third set.
Reflecting on the pivotal moments, Salisbury noted the razor-thin difference, stating, "It was an incredibly close match. It came down to one or two points in both tie-breaks. We had our chances, especially in that second-set tie-break, but they played the big points just a little bit better today. It’s tough to take."
Experience and Elation for the Champions
For the victorious duo of Granollers and Zeballos, the win was a historic and emotional triumph. At 38 and 39 years old respectively, they became the oldest men’s doubles team to win the US Open in the Open Era. This victory also completed a remarkable career Grand Slam for Granollers and gave Zeballos his second major title.
An emotional Zeballos shared his disbelief and joy after the match, saying, "It's amazing. I cannot believe it. To win here in New York, it's a dream for every tennis player. To do it with Marcel, who is like a brother to me, at this stage of our careers, it is very special."
Granollers echoed his partner's sentiments, paying respect to their opponents: "It was an unbelievable match against a great team. We had to play our best tennis in the tie-breaks. We are so happy. To win a second Grand Slam together and to complete the set, I have no words."
Heartbreak and Resilience for the Brits
For the British pair, the loss is a bitter pill to swallow. Both are accomplished champions in their own right; Salisbury is a four-time major doubles winner and an Olympic silver medalist, while Skupski is the reigning Wimbledon men's doubles champion and current world number one in doubles.
The statistics from the match highlight just how close they were:
- Points won: 72 for Granollers/Zeballos, 70 for Salisbury/Skupski
- Aces: 8 for GB, 7 for the champions
- First serve percentage: 69% for GB, 68% for the champions
- Break points converted: 0/1 for both teams
Skupski, ever the competitor, was gracious in defeat but clear about the team's disappointment. "It’s obviously heartbreaking to lose another final here, especially in such a close manner. We left everything out there. We fought for every point, and it just didn’t go our way. We have to credit them, they were clutch when it mattered most."
Looking Ahead After New York
Despite the setback, the future remains bright for the British partnership. Their consistent performance at the highest level, reaching two major finals in their first full season together, proves their elite status on the ATP Tour. The chemistry and complementary skills between Salisbury’s powerful net presence and Skupski’s deft touch and returns make them a threat at every tournament they enter.
The team will now shift their focus to the remainder of the season, including the ATP Finals in Turin, for which they have firmly cemented their qualification. The experience gained from this heartbreak, while painful, will only add to their resolve.
Salisbury concluded, "We’ll learn from this, for sure. It hurts right now, but we’re a strong team. We’ll support each other, get back to work, and keep pushing for that next title. We know we have the level to win the biggest tournaments."
As the New York crowd applauded both teams off the court, it was a moment that encapsulated the brutal beauty of sport: unbridled joy for the victors and profound heartbreak for the vanquished. For Salisbury and Skupski, the search for a US Open title together continues, a quest that now carries the weight of two near-misses and an even greater determination to finally break through.