US Open 2022: Joe Salisbury & Rajeev Ram seal back-to-back doubles titles at Flushing Meadows
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Joe Salisbury and Rajeev Ram are the US Open men’s doubles champions for the second consecutive year.
The British, American duo defeated second seeds Neal Skupski and Wesley Koolhof 7-6(4), 7-5 to become only the second pair in the Open Era to defend their crown in Flushing Meadows (Todd and Mark Woodbridge 1995-1996).
In winning his third Grand Slam title, Salisbury becomes the most successful men’s doubles player in the Open Era, overtaking Roger Taylor and Jamie Murray (both with two Slam trophies).
“It’s pretty crazy, I can’t quite believe that we’re standing here again. It’s so special to be playing in this incredible stadium in front of these crowds and have that piece of history. To have won this twice in a row is amazing.
“I’ve got to say congrats to Wes and Neal on an amazing tournament, it was really tough match today and I’m sure we’ll have a lot more battles in the future.”
The 30-year-old Brit also cements his place as the No.1 doubles player in the world, with Skupski just missing out on the top spot in the final match. As a pair, Salisbury and Ram have now also qualified for the Nitto ATP Finals in November.
Salisbury is now unbeaten in his last 17 matches at the US Open across the men’s and mixed doubles.
Road to the US Open title
- First round: vs Federico Coria (ARG) & Cristian Rodriguez (COL) 6-4, 6-4
- Second round: vs Aslan Karatsev & Luke Saville (AUS) 6-4, 6-3
- Third round: vs Simone Bolelli (ITA) & Fabio Fognini (ITA) 6-1, 7-5
- Quarter-final: vs Hugo Nys (MON) & Jan Zielinski (POL) 6-4, 6-7(3), 6-4
- Semi-final: vs Juan Sebastian Cabal (COL) & Robert Farah (COL) 7-5, 4-6, 7-6 [10-6]
- Final: vs Neal Skupski (GBR) & Wesley Koolhof (NED) 7-6(4), 7-5
Skupski and Koolhof finish runners-up in their first Grand Slam final together but leave Flushing Meadows having defeated the Australian Open and Wimbledon champions en route to the final.
“We came up against a great team today – Joe and Rajeev play some unbelievable tennis – congrats to you guys,” said Skupksi. “This is the best crowd I’ve played in front of, it’s been incredible!”
With nothing to split between the pairs – and just one break point on offer – the first set was nailed on for a tie-break. Skupski and Koolhof drew first blood after calling for some wicked reflexes from Salisbury – his fifth consecutive volley rippling the net. But from 4-1 down, the reigning champions found their groove, clinching a double mini-break with two straight return winners, as they won six consecutive points.
The second seeds looked to have the upper hand in the second after sealing the first break of the match for 2-1 but they couldn’t back it up on Skupski’s serve. Entering the business end of the set once, Salisbury and Ram appeared to be growing in confidence. Two mistakes from Skupski and Koolhof in the most crucial moment, serving at 6-5 down, set up the one and only Championship point of the match – tucked away by Salisbury with a smash.
Oponnents will now turn team mates as Salisbury and Skupski join the British Davis Cup team next week in Glasgow - where they will both face off against their respective partners.
