British duo Joe Salisbury and Neal Skupski moved into the US Open men’s doubles third round with a hard-fought three-set win over unseeded Americans Maxwell Exsted and Cooper Woestendick, prevailing 6-4, 1-6, 6-3.
The sixth seeds are chasing their first major title together, having continued their strong season after reaching the French Open final earlier this year. Salisbury, who has won three straight US Open men’s doubles titles at Flushing Meadows from 2021 to 2023 with American partner Rajeev Ram (including a victory over Skupski and then-partner Wesley Koolhof in 2022), showed the pair’s enduring big-match pedigree.
The match swung in waves. Salisbury and Skupski took the opening set 6-4 and began the second set with an early break, but Exsted and Woestendick roared back, winning six straight games to force a decider. The Americans converted three of nine break-point chances and saved three of four on their serves, keeping the pressure on the British pair. However, Salisbury and Skupski steadied in the third, breaking at 1-2 in the fourth game and then serving strongly to seal the 6-4, 1-6, 6-3 victory.
This win keeps the British duo on track for a deep run at their continuing major campaign, underscoring their experience and prowess on big stages. Salisbury and Skupski have demonstrated their capability to contend for major titles, buoyed by past success in New York and the Paris arena this season.
Summary: Salisbury and Skupski earned a three-set victory to advance to the US Open third round, showcasing resilience after a second-set wobble and signaling their ongoing threat as a pair in major tournaments. Look ahead, the pair remain a key hopeful for a first major title together.