In an exhilarating match held at Roland Garros during the prestigious French Open 2025, British tennis players Joe Salisbury and Neal Skupski secured their place in the men’s doubles final. This marks a significant achievement for both players, who miraculously rallied from a set down against American duo Christian Harrison and Evan King. The match concluded with a scoreline of 6-7 (5-7), 6-3, 7-6 (10-7), propelling Salisbury and Skupski into the final for the very first time in their careers at this Grand Slam event.
The victory is particularly meaningful as this is the duo’s debut beyond the quarter-finals in men’s doubles at the French Open, showcasing their tenacity and skill throughout the match. Since they officially teamed up at the beginning of this season, their chemistry has grown, allowing them to navigate through tight matches effectively. As the eighth seeds, this performance is a testament to their hard work and determination in the high-stakes environment of Grand Slam competition.
The final will see Salisbury and Skupski facing a notable challenge in the form of Spain’s Marcel Granollers and Argentina’s Horacio Zeballos, who also entered the final with an impressive track record. The match is scheduled for Saturday at 15:30 BST. The spectators are eagerly anticipating the clash between these two talented teams.
In the semi-final encounter, Harrison and King won the first set after a tense tiebreak, demonstrating their adeptness on the court. However, Salisbury and Skupski did not let the initial setback discourage them; they quickly regrouped, securing an early break in the second set to level the match. The British duo then found themselves at a critical juncture in the third set, battling back from a break down. With the Americans serving for the match at 5-3, Salisbury and Skupski showcased their resilience, fighting back to force a deciding tiebreak.
The tiebreak was filled with nail-biting moments, as Harrison and King initially established a 6-3 lead, putting them on the brink of victory. Yet, Salisbury and Skupski demonstrated remarkable composure and skill under pressure, executing critical shots to turn the tide in their favor and clinch the match.
Both players are now on the hunt for their first Grand Slam title as a pair, having previously reached finals together during tournaments held on clay in Qatar and Barcelona earlier this year. The anticipation surrounding their performance in the final at Roland Garros is palpable as they look to add to their achievements.
The French Open, taking place between May 25 and June 8, 2025, at the renowned venue of Roland Garros, is one of the most prestigious events in the tennis calendar. Thanks to comprehensive coverage including live radio commentaries on 5 Live Sport and BBC Sounds, alongside live text updates on the BBC Sport website and app, fans are closely following the thrilling developments of the tournament.
With the historical context of British tennis, it’s worth noting that Fred Perry and Pat Hughes remain the last British pair to clinch the men’s doubles title at the French Open back in 1933. The aspirations of Salisbury and Skupski to rewrite history emphasize the significance of their final match against Granollers and Zeballos.
As the tennis world watches closely, the outcome of the final could serve as a pivotal moment for British tennis, rejuvenating hopes of another Grand Slam doubles title decades after Perry and Hughes achieved their victory. The thrilling narrative of this season continues to unfold, highlighting the journey of a new generation of players aiming for greatness on the grandest of stages.
