Harrison, Skupski claim maiden US Open doubles crown

Christian Harrison and Neal Skupski capped a remarkable hard-court Grand Slam season by defeating Germany’s Kevin Krawietz and Tim Puetz 6-4, 7-6(6) to win their maiden US Open men’s doubles title at Arthur Ashe Stadium.

The fifth-seeded American-British combination overcame the sixth seeds in a tightly contested final, completing their campaign at Flushing Meadows without dropping a set. The victory gave Harrison and Skupski their second major title of the season after they captured the Australian Open crown in January.

For Skupski, the triumph was particularly significant after defeats in the US Open finals in 2022 and 2025. The 36-year-old Briton finally lifted the trophy at his third attempt and added another major to a collection that also includes the 2023 Wimbledon men’s doubles title.

Harrison, Skupski strike first

The opening set remained on serve until 3-3, when Harrison and Skupski created their first break opportunity. Harrison converted the chance with a backhand winner down the line, handing the fifth seeds the advantage they needed.

They protected the break and closed out the first set 6-4, putting the German pair under pressure to extend the contest.

Krawietz and Puetz, themselves experienced Grand Slam campaigners, responded strongly in the second set. Neither combination was able to establish a decisive advantage, although Harrison and Skupski had an opportunity to break at 4-4.

The Germans survived and eventually forced a tie-break, where the momentum swung repeatedly between the two teams.

Tie-break decides title

The tie-break featured a succession of mini-breaks, with neither side able to take complete control. Krawietz and Puetz had an opportunity to force a deciding set but could not capitalise.

At 6-6, Puetz miscued a forehand to hand Harrison and Skupski championship point. Skupski then finished the contest with a volley, sealing the title and triggering celebrations from the fifth seeds.

The victory completed an outstanding tournament for Harrison and Skupski, who did not concede a set across six matches in New York. Their run included a 6-3, 6-2 quarter-final victory over fourth seeds Simone Bolelli and Andrea Vavassori and a 7-6(4), 6-2 semi-final win over top seeds and Wimbledon champions Harri Heliovaara and Henry Patten.

Second major of season

Harrison and Skupski have enjoyed a rapid rise since forming their partnership, winning the Australian Open while playing only their second tournament together.

Their New York success made them one of the select men’s doubles teams to capture both hard-court Grand Slams in the same season.

For Harrison, winning in front of a home crowd added further significance to his second major triumph of the year. For Skupski, it ended a run of disappointment at Flushing Meadows after twice previously finishing runner-up.

The German pair, meanwhile, were left with another near miss in New York. Krawietz and Puetz had also finished runners-up at the US Open in 2024.