Salisbury and American partner Rajeev Ram were on a 20-match winning streak that had seen them claim the 2021, 2022 and 2023 titles in New York.
Joe Salisbury’s Reign at the US Open Ends: A Shocking Defeat in Men’s Doubles
Ram-Salisbury Duo Stunned by Unseeded American Pair Lammons and Withrow
After a dominant run that saw them clinch three consecutive US Open titles, Joe Salisbury and his American partner, Rajeev Ram, faced an unexpected and crushing defeat at this year’s tournament. Entering the match on a 20-match unbeaten streak, the third-seeded pair were favorites to once again reign supreme at Flushing Meadows. However, their hopes were dashed by the unseeded American duo of Nathaniel Lammons and Jackson Withrow, who pulled off a stunning upset on the Grandstand court, winning 7-6 (3), 6-3.
An Unlikely Downfall
The Ram-Salisbury partnership had become a dominant force in men’s doubles, sweeping titles in New York for three consecutive years (2021, 2022, 2023). Their chemistry on court, tactical precision, and sheer consistency made them the team to beat at this year’s US Open. No one, not even their toughest competitors, had imagined that their unbeatable streak would come to an abrupt halt at the hands of an unheralded American pair.
The first set was a nail-biter, with both teams holding serve and forcing a tense tie-break. In a rare twist, it was Lammons and Withrow who came out on top, edging out Salisbury and Ram with a 7-6 (3) victory. The tie-break loss seemed to shake the reigning champions’ confidence. A critical break of serve at the end of the second set proved to be the fatal blow, allowing Lammons and Withrow to serve out the match for a 6-3 win.
Salisbury’s US Open Dreams Cut Short
The defeat marks the end of Joe Salisbury’s dream of securing a fourth consecutive US Open title, something that would have cemented his name in tennis history. The London-born player, known for his composure under pressure, appeared shell-shocked by the result. His partnership with Ram, one of the most successful in recent men’s doubles history, had been marked by triumph after triumph. To see their streak end so unexpectedly, and against opponents who weren’t even considered among the top seeds, was a bitter pill to swallow.
This loss came on the heels of another surprising exit for Salisbury, who also fell in the first round of the mixed doubles with partner Gabriela Dabrowski. It has certainly been a US Open to forget for the British star, whose usually unshakeable form has wavered at the wrong time.
The Underdogs Prevail
For Nathaniel Lammons and Jackson Withrow, this victory is career-defining. To defeat such a decorated team as Ram and Salisbury on a major stage like the US Open is no small feat. Their tenacity and resilience throughout the match earned them a well-deserved place in the spotlight.
With the crowd on Grandstand firmly behind them, the American pair fed off the energy and produced the performance of their lives. Their ability to neutralize the seasoned Ram-Salisbury attack, particularly in the pressure-filled moments of the tie-break, showcased their growing potential as a formidable team on the tour.
The question now is whether Lammons and Withrow can ride this wave of momentum further into the tournament. Their win will no doubt provide a confidence boost, but they will need to replicate this level of performance if they hope to challenge for the title.
What’s Next for Salisbury and Ram?
For Joe Salisbury and Rajeev Ram, the immediate priority will be to regroup and assess where things went wrong. Such a long streak of victories inevitably builds expectations, and with those expectations comes pressure. Perhaps the weight of their previous success finally caught up to them, or maybe it was simply a case of being outplayed by a fearless pair hungry for victory.
Salisbury, known for his analytical approach to the game, will no doubt be back in the practice courts soon, eager to iron out the flaws that led to this shock exit. As for Ram, the veteran American will be equally motivated to bounce back. The duo will likely focus on refining their tactics and reclaiming their dominance in the next Grand Slam event.
A Lesson in the Unpredictability of Tennis
Joe Salisbury’s loss at the US Open is a stark reminder of the unpredictability that makes tennis so captivating. No matter how decorated or skilled a player or team is, the dynamics of a match can turn in an instant. Salisbury and Ram’s shock defeat underlines the competitive depth of modern doubles tennis, where even unseeded pairs can rise to the occasion and topple giants.
As fans, we are reminded that every match is a new chapter, and past success doesn’t guarantee future results. This US Open has already proven to be full of surprises, and while Salisbury’s journey has ended prematurely, the tournament rolls on, brimming with potential for more upsets and unexpected stories.
