Joe Salisbury calls time on decorated doubles career
Joe Salisbury, a former world number one in doubles, has retired from professional tennis. The 34-year-old won six Grand Slam doubles titles, including three consecutive US Open men's doubles crowns with Rajeev Ram. He finished at the 2026 US Open, reaching the semi-finals.
Salisbury's farewell at the US Open carried particular resonance, as it was the site of his most historic achievement. In 2023, he and Rajeev Ram became the first men's doubles pair ever to claim three consecutive titles there, a record that cemented their place in the sport's history. His career also included the 2020 Australian Open crown and two mixed doubles titles alongside Desirae Krawczyk.
The Londoner's final season was marked by a three-month hiatus early in the year, prompted by anxiety that left him with a "feeling of dread" on tour. He returned to partner Ram for one last campaign, finishing with 17 tour-level titles, including back-to-back ATP Finals victories in 2022 and 2023.
Salisbury's retirement may prompt reflection on the mental toll of professional tennis, particularly for doubles specialists who spend extensive time travelling. His openness about anxiety could encourage other players to prioritise wellbeing over career longevity. British tennis may also feel his absence, as he represented the nation's highest achievement in men's doubles, potentially inspiring younger players to pursue the discipline with renewed ambition.