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Joe Salisbury Announces Retirement After Historic US Open Run
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Salisbury’s Retirement at the US Open
British doubles specialist Joe Salisbury confirmed his retirement from professional tennis following a semi-final appearance at the US Open earlier this month. The 34-year-old announced the decision on 16 September 2026 via an Instagram post, stating he had been contemplating the move for some time and was “very happy with the decision.”
Career Highlights and Statistics
Salisbury turned professional in 2011 and rose to become the United Kingdom’s most successful men’s doubles player of the Open Era. His résumé includes four Grand Slam men’s doubles titles—Australian Open 2020 and US Open 2021, 2022, 2023—plus two mixed-doubles crowns at Roland Garros 2021 and the US Open 2021. He finished his career with 17 tour-level titles, highlighted by back-to-back ATP Finals victories in 2022 and 2023. In 2023, Salisbury and long-time partner Rajeev Ram became the first pair to capture three consecutive US Open men’s doubles titles.
Context and Recent Performance
The US Open semi-final run marked Salisbury’s final tournament, mirroring Ram’s own retirement plans. Earlier in the year, Salisbury took a three-month break after disclosing to BBC Sport that anxiety had been affecting his enjoyment of life on tour, describing a “feeling of dread” while traveling. He noted that the condition had not significantly impaired his on-court performance but made the tour “far less enjoyable.”
Official Statements
The Lawn Tennis Association released a brief announcement on 16 September 2026 confirming Salisbury’s retirement and praising his contributions to British tennis. The LTA’s statement highlighted his status as a former ATP doubles world No. 1 and thanked him for “amazing support” from family, coaches, and the broader tennis community.
Impact on British Tennis
Salisbury’s departure leaves a notable gap in Britain’s elite doubles field. As the nation’s most decorated Open-Era men’s doubles player, his experience and mentorship will be absent from future LTA development programs. Analysts note that his retirement may prompt the LTA to accelerate the promotion of emerging British doubles talent to maintain the country’s presence in major tournaments.