Joe Salisbury: Britain’s most successful men’s doubles player announces retirement
• 2 minute read
British doubles star Joe Salisbury has officially retired from professional tennis following his exit from the 2026 US Open.
The 34-year-old announced his retirement a week after his semi-final run at the US Open with long-time partner Rajeev Ram.
Salisbury made his professional debut in 2011 and went on to finish his career as Great Britain’s most successful men’s doubles player in the Open Era so far.
The Putney-native finishes his career with four Grand Slam men’s doubles titles at the Australian Open (2020) and US Open (2021, 2022 and 2023), two mixed doubles trophies at Roland Garros (2021) and the US Open (2021), and as a former ATP doubles world No.1.
Salisbury shared the news on Instagram, with a short personal message: "I’ve decided I’m retiring from professional tennis. I’ve been thinking about it for a while and am now very happy with the decision.
"Tennis has been my life for as long as I can remember and I have been incredibly fortunate to have had all the opportunities, experiences and success that I have. To be able to travel the world and call playing tennis my job has been a dream come true and I never believed I could have lived the life and had the career that I have. I gave it my all and know I can be proud and look back with no regrets.
"The best thing about it all has been the people I’ve met along the way and shared these times with and many of them will be the closest people to me for the rest of my life. I feel so lucky to have had so much amazing support and there are too many people to mention but I am grateful to you all. A special thanks to my parents, Natalie, Rajeev, Justin, Louis, Dave, TC, Ed and the LTA. Without all of you I could not have done this so thank you.
"I’m not sure what’s next for me but I know I have so much to look forward to and so much to be happy right now and I know that all the highs and lows, good times and bad on this crazy tennis journey have made me a stronger and better person."
Salisbury and Ram have been one of the dominant teams on the ATP Tour over the last six years and are the only pair to win three consecutive men’s doubles titles in US Open history.
The British star also made men’s doubles finals at Roland Garros and the US Open in 2025 with fellow Brit Neal Skupski, as well as reaching two Wimbledon mixed doubles finals with Harriet Dart and Luisa Stefani (2021 and 2025).
Salisbury secured several British milestones throughout his career, including a first Nitto ATP Finals doubles title in 2022, which he then defended the following year.
The six-time major champion made his Davis Cup debut at the 2021 Finals, played seven ties for his country, and represented Team GB at the 2020 and 2024 Olympic Games.
As we celebrate one of British tennis’s most successful careers, take a look back at some of the biggest highlights and stats from Salisbury’s career:
Joe Salisbury career highlights
- Most successful British men's doubles player in the Open Era
- Four Grand Slam men’s doubles titles with Rajeev Ram – Australian Open (2020) and US Open (2021, 2022 and 2023)
- Two Grand Slam mixed doubles titles with Desirae Krawczyk – Roland Garros (2021) and US Open (2021)
- Two-time Nitto ATP Finals champion – going back-to-back in 2022 and 2023
- Three ATP Masters 1000 titles in Canada, Monte-Carlo and Cincinnati
- 17 career tour-level titles
- Won his first ATP title at the Vienna Open 2018 with fellow Brit Neal Skupski
- 286 tour-level match wins
- Represented Great Britain at the Davis Cup and at the 2020 and 2024 Olympic Games
LTA Chief Executive, Scott Lloyd, said: "On behalf of the LTA, I would like to congratulate Joe on an outstanding career and thank him for his contribution to British tennis.
"He finishes his professional career as one of the most successful doubles players of his generation who has given British fans plenty to celebrate over the years. Both on and off-court, Joe is admired for his professionalism and humility, and we wish him the very best for the next stage of his career."
Louis Cayer, Salisbury's long-time coach and LTA Senior Performance Advisor, said: "Joe, all great things come to an end! I worked with you from very early in your career till your very last match at this US Open.
"Finishing with a semi-final, in a place where you had made history with three titles in a row, has a nice feeling, I would say.
"I was honoured to support you on your journey to becoming one of the best doubles players in the world, reaching world No.1, six Slam titles, and many tour titles, but what was most impressive was how you achieved it.
"You became an outstanding athlete and competitor while always remaining humble, thoughtful and respectful of those around you. Your athleticism was legendary on the tour. Your remarkable coverage at the net made you extremely difficult to pass and almost impossible to lob.
"I am incredibly proud of the player you became, but even prouder of the performer and the person you grew into. Finally, as you know, the rule in doubles is to find the best partner; I am pleased that you chose Natalie as your life partner…. Enjoy a well-earned retirement."
