By Ros Satar
- Rajeev Ram and Joe Salisbury defeat Wesley Koolhof & Neal Skupski 7-6(4) 7-5
- Salisbury retains the world number one spot
NEW YORK, USA – Rajeev Ram and British partner Joe Salisbury defend their US Open title beating Wesley Koolhof and fellow Brit Neal Skupski.
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In a match with very little between them, there were no break point opportunities to split them before the tour-leading pairing of Wesley Koolhof and Neal Skupski stole a march in the tie-break, building up a 4-1 lead, but Rajeev Ram and Joe Salisbury roared back winning the next six point on the spin.
First blood in the second set went to Koolhof and Skupski, as the broke ahead of the first change-over but were put under immediate pressure and broken straight back by the defending champions.
It was fitting that it took a final break by Ram and Salisbury to clinch the title, and for Salisbury to remain at the top of the doubles rankings.
“Special to have that piece of history”
Salisbury said in his on-court interview: “It is pretty crazy. I can’t quite believe it that we are standing here again,” Salisbury said. “It is so, so special to be playing in this incredible stadium in front of all of you. To have that piece of history, winning this twice in a row is amazing.”
Koolhof and Skupski have had an incredibly successful first year as a partnership, winning a tour-leading six titles , and lead the ATP Race to Turin. Salisbury’s world number one ranking had been at risk and Skupski would have overtaken him had he won his first doubles Slam title.
With this win, Ram and Salisbury qualify for Turin and become the second team since Todd Woodbridge and Mark Woodforde to defend their US Open title.
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