Joe Salisbury fought back from being a set down to claim a thrilling victory over Jamie Murray in the battle of the Britons for the men’s doubles trophy at the US Open.
Salisbury and his American partner Rajeev Ram recovered from a sluggish opening set to beat Murray and Brazilian Bruno Soares 3-6, 6-2, 6-2 and add the US title to the Australian Open crown they won in 2020.
It was the first time two British men had faced each other in a grand slam men’s doubles final in the Open era.
Murray was hoping to become the most decorated British grand slam champion in the Open era, but an eighth title to take him clear of Virginia Wade eluded him as Salisbury and Ram dominated on serve and picked holes in their opponents defence.
Afterwards, Salisbury said: “It’s a dream come true.”
This is a third grand slam title for the 29-year-old, after winning the 2020 Australian Open with Ram and the 2021 French Open in mixed doubles with Desirae Krawczyk.
It was Salisbury’s first time playing in the Arthur Ashe stadium – the biggest tennis stadium in the world – and he described the atmosphere as “amazing.”
“It was such a fun match,” he added. “To win this with Rajeev is amazing. It’s a dream come true.
“I have to say thank you to Rajeev. He has been an incredible partner for me for the last three years and I couldn’t ask to be beside anyone better on court.”
Ram swiftly returned the compliment, saying: “I can’t ask for a better partner. We didn’t know each other that well and it’s been an unbelievable ride.
“It’s amazing and it won’t stop now. I appreciate you and everything you have done.”
The pair struggled with their serve in the opening set, with four double faults between them, as Murray and Soares took advantage with only one unforced error.
However, they arrested any decline in spectacular fashion, winning all but two first-serve points in the second set after immediately breaking Murray’s serve.
Murray and Soares, who triumphed at Flushing Meadows and the Australian Open in 2016, saved three break points in the opening game of the third set before Ram and Salisbury converted at the fourth attempt before breaking again in the seventh game.
After taking their time to get going, Ram and Salisbury fired down five aces and 22 winners in the third set as they wrapped up the victory.
Laura Robson, former British number one, told BBC Radio 5 Live Sports Extra afterwards: “What a performance in set two and three from Rajeev Ram and Joe Salisbury. They were on fire!
“They just looked the tighter pairing and the more confident pairing of the two. That is a huge result for British tennis!”
There was another background narrative to this match.
Soares had his appendix removed at the Olympics after feeling discomfort in the first hour of his 11-hour-flight to Tokyo. He was rushed to hospital and missed the whole summer, having only a couple of weeks to prepare for this tournament.
He travelled to the US with his young son Noah, who has been a real hit at the tournament – often appearing on court with a racquet in hand.
“I wasn’t expecting much so I just want to thank my family, coaches and Jamie for being very patient with me,” he said after collecting the runners up trophy.
Analysing the performance, Murray said: “They turned it around pretty well. We lost some momentum at the start of the second set and the match changed a lot.
“We’re really proud of ourselves for the way we competed this week and fought our way to the final, I’m looking forward to the future”
Salisbury is due to be back on court on Friday evening, competing in the semi-final of the mixed doubles with Desirae Krawczyk.