Davis Cup 2026: Neal Skupski riding high after US Open win ahead of Ecuador tie

For the upcoming tie against Ecuador, Smith has selected the world No.1 and No.3, Henry Patten and Neal Skupski, who have won three of the four Grand Slam titles between them in 2026.

36-year-old Skupski is coming into the Lexus Great Britain team off the back of one of the best tournaments of his career at the US Open.

Skupski won his third major title and second this year with American Christian Harrison, becoming one of only three pairs in the Open Era to be crowned champions in New York without dropping a set.

Less than 48 hours after his US Open triumph, Skupski was back at work training with the GB team at the National Tennis Centre in Roehampton, gearing up for a Davis Cup Qualifier second round tie against Ecuador from 19-20 September.

“It’s been amazing,” Skupski said, reflecting on a title-winning campaign at Flushing Meadows. “I had a good couple of weeks in New York with Christian, getting our second Grand Slam title together. We played well all tournament, not dropping a set, which is quite amazing.

“There was a lot of hard work over the summer. We didn’t have the results that we wanted; there were tight losses, but we stayed confident in each other and in our games. The results showed in New York.

“Our record in Grand Slams is pretty good on the hard courts this year. We lost our first set in Australia and then haven’t lost a set since. Something seems to be working.

“We’re putting together big wins in big moments, and hopefully that continues to happen throughout the rest of the year. Hopefully we get a few more wins before the end of the season.”

Skupski is now the only British player to have won three major titles at three different Grand Slam tournaments. He is only one away from tying Joe Salisbury’s record four men’s doubles Grand Slam titles – the most of any Brit in the Open Era.

This victory was extra special for Skupski at a tournament where he’s come so close in the past. He reached the final in 2022, losing out to Salisbury and Rajeev Ram, and then finished runner-up in 2025 by the narrowest of margins.

“It was very special winning the US Open because of last year, having three championship points and then being able to bounce back this year and get over the line was amazing.

“I had a lot of, not nerves, but excited butterflies going into the match because we had a day off between the semi-final and the final.

“It’s nice to have three different Grand Slams and hopefully we can go for the fourth at Roland Garros next year.”

The tennis calendar never stops and the turnaround has been quick for Skupski coming into the Davis Cup, but the Liverpool-native is excited to be back with the team.

Skupski has been a key part of Smith’s side over the last seven years since his debut and has developed a knack for winning important matches for his country.

His 10-5 winning record is a testament to his ability to raise his level when competing for Great Britain and he’s ready to give his all once again in his first tie in London.

“It’s nice to be back home in England and getting ready for this week in London for Davis Cup,” he said.

“It’s something that I always love. It’s my favourite week of the year. I’ve missed the last couple of ties, but it’s great to be back in the team, and I’m very much looking forward to it.

“It’s one of those weeks when everyone comes together and tries to pull through for Great Britain.

“Hopefully we can do it this week at the Copper Box against Ecuador, and I’m sure it will be packed out, and the fans will get behind us.”

It’s a new-look team from the last time Skupski played in the British side. Arthur Fery comes in as Britain’s top-ranked singles player for only his second tie, the in-form Toby Samuel could make his debut, and Patten is only in the squad for the second time in his career as well.

Skupski and Cam Norrie now take up the mantle as the most experienced members of the team, and the three-time major winner is excited about the new additions this year.

“It’s great to have those guys, they are playing really well,” Skupski said. “Arthur had a great Wimbledon, and Toby has done very well; he’s into the top 100 now and having a great season.

“Then you’ve got Cam and Henry, who I know a lot more. I played with Henry in a tie against Canada and a few with Cam.

“I always thought you could see his (Patten’s) level, having won so many Challenger titles with Julian Cash.

“Big guy, lefty, good returns, gets around the net, and he has that demeanor that he has everything under control. Doesn’t seem to sweat much and takes everything one step at a time. He’s got a big game and it’s going to be fun if I get to play with him this week against Ecuador.

“We seem to get on off the court as well, we go and play golf together, which is nice. We’ll see what happens with pairings and who plays, but it would be great to get back on court with Henry.”

Skupski and the Great Britain Davis Cup team will take on Ecuador in a Qualifier second round tie at London’s Copper Box Arena from 19-20 September.