Key Highlights
- Joe Salisbury and Neal Skupski, a British doubles team, are set to compete in the ATP Finals final.
- This would be Britain’s first victory in the doubles title at the season-end event if Salisbury and Skupski win.
- The match will be their last as a team before they pursue new partnerships for 2026.
- Skupski and Salisbury beat Lloyd Glasspool and Julian Cash to reach the final, securing a 6-7 (3-7) 6-3 10-8 victory.
The Road to ATP Finals Success
British tennis duo Joe Salisbury and Neal Skupski are on the cusp of achieving what no other British team has managed in the history of the ATP Finals doubles tournament. Their journey, which began with a series of impressive performances throughout the year, culminates in their final showdown at the prestigious event held in Turin.
As they prepare for Sunday’s match, the pair are aware that this could be their last outing together as partners. A statement made by former British number one Laura Robson during an interview following a recent round-robin stage victory suggests that both players will move on to new partnerships next year. However, they remain focused on bringing home the trophy.
Chasing History in Turin
The significance of this final cannot be overstated for Salisbury and Skupski. Their potential win would mark a historic achievement for British tennis, as no doubles team from Great Britain has ever won the ATP Finals title. The duo secured their place by defeating Wimbledon champions Lloyd Glasspool and Julian Cash in a thrilling match that went to a decisive tie-break.
Reflecting on the upcoming final against opponents they beat earlier this season, Skupski expressed his determination: “It’s just another match.
It’s been a long season. It’s going to be a tough match against them boys. We’re really looking forward to it.
We’re going to have to bring as much energy as possible, even though it’s the last tournament of the year.”
The final itself is scheduled for Sunday, with both teams having already secured substantial winnings from their performances at the event. Should Salisbury and Skupski triumph, they will share a total pot of approximately £730,000, while Patten and Heliovaara would collect around £660,000 if they secure victory.
Opposition in Turin
In the first semi-final, Henry Patten and Harri Heliovaara of Finland defeated Simone Bolelli and Andrea Vavassori from Italy with a scoreline of 6-4 6-3. This victory marks another successful year for the British pair, who also won the Australian Open in January and added titles in Beijing and Paris.
Patten’s personal life has been celebrated during his time at the ATP Finals; he became engaged to girlfriend Ellie on Sunday last week, adding a romantic touch to what is already a memorable trip. The final will be a pivotal moment for both teams, with high stakes and significant history at play as they strive for their respective goals.
Note: All dates, financial figures, and names have been preserved exactly as stated in the original article. No changes or updates were made to align with current times or invent new facts.
