British Doubles Great Joe Salisbury Announces Retirement from Professional Tennis

Joe Salisbury, the former world number one and six-time Grand Slam champion, has officially announced his retirement from professional tennis. The 34-year-old Londoner brings to a close an extraordinary career that established him as the most decorated British men's doubles player in the history of the Open era.

Salisbury elected to stage his final competitive appearance at this month's US Open in New York, competing alongside his long-standing American partner Rajeev Ram. The decision marked a joint farewell for one of the sport's most formidable pairings, with Ram having also resolved to retire from professional tennis at the conclusion of the tournament.

The veteran duo brought the curtain down on their partnership with a deep run into the latter stages of the tournament, concluding their competitive careers by reaching the semi-finals at Flushing Meadows. Their strong showing in their final event underscored the high level of tennis they sustained together until their very last match on the circuit.

The choice of New York for their farewell was particularly fitting, given the historic milestones the pair had previously accomplished at the tournament. In 2023, Salisbury and Ram cemented their place in tennis lore when they became the first men's doubles team in history to win three consecutive US Open championships.

Salisbury’s achievements across his career firmly secure his legacy at the pinnacle of British tennis. Holding the distinction of being the nation's most successful men's doubles competitor throughout the Open era, his triumphs helped set a new benchmark for British representation on the international doubles circuit.

Beyond their dominant streak in the United States, Salisbury and Ram enjoyed major success across multiple continents. Their Grand Slam breakthrough as a partnership occurred early in their union when they claimed the Australian Open men's doubles championship title in 2020.

In addition to his four men's doubles Grand Slam crowns alongside Ram, Salisbury also enjoyed significant success on the mixed doubles stage. He captured two additional Grand Slam mixed doubles titles in collaboration with American player Desirae Krawczyk, bringing his overall tally of major trophies to six.

Throughout his tenure on the professional circuit, Salisbury amassed a total of 17 tour-level championships. Among these numerous triumphs were back-to-back victories at the prestigious season-ending ATP Finals, where he and Ram lifted the championship trophy in both 2022 and 2023.

Reflecting on the decision to conclude his playing days, the 34-year-old explained that stepping away from the professional game was a choice he had considered carefully over an extended period. He confirmed that he feels content with his departure, stating that he is now very happy with the decision.

In a personal message published on his Instagram page, Salisbury expressed deep gratitude for the path his sporting career had provided. He noted that tennis had been central to his existence for as long as he could recall, acknowledging the immense fortune he had in experiencing widespread success and distinctive opportunities throughout his life.

The British player reflected on the privilege of having been able to tour the globe and make playing professional tennis his livelihood, calling it a dream come true. He added that he never imagined he would experience such a rewarding life and career, emphasizing that he gave everything to his craft and can look back on his journey with immense pride and without any regrets.

The retirement announcement follows a period of reflection earlier this year, during which Salisbury took a three-month hiatus from the competitive tour. The break was prompted by personal struggles with anxiety, which he previously discussed in an interview with BBC Sport regarding the psychological demands of professional sport.

Salisbury explained that while the anxiety had not substantially hindered his on-court play, it created a persistent feeling of dread that severely eroded his enjoyment of traveling on the road. The constant demands and travel of the tour had become increasingly difficult to navigate, ultimately factoring into his perspective on his sporting future.

With 17 tour-level titles, six Grand Slam crowns, two ATP Finals victories, and a former world number one ranking to his name, Salisbury walks away from the sport having reached the very highest peaks of doubles tennis. His retirement marks the conclusion of a historic chapter for both British tennis and the international doubles game.