Salisbury & Skupski Win ATP Finals Opener in Turin

Joe Salisbury continued his impressive streak at the Nitto ATP Finals today, partnering with Neal Skupski to defeat Marcelo Arevalo and Mate Pavic 6-3, 7-5 in Turin, Italy.

The British pair, seeded fifth, saved all seven break points they faced during the match in the John McEnroe group. A crucial moment occurred in the second set at 5-5, 40/40, when a foot fault was called on Pavic, leading to a double fault and a break for Salisbury and Skupski. This victory improves their head-to-head record against Arevalo and Pavic to 3-1, having previously won against them in Toronto and Cincinnati earlier this year.

Salisbury, a two-time champion at the ATP Finals in 2022 and 2023 with former partner Rajeev Ram, now boasts a remarkable 11-match winning streak at the event. Skupski previously reached the semi-finals of the year-end event in 2022. The duo has enjoyed a successful season together, reaching major finals at Roland Garros and the US Open, and currently hold a 43-21 record according to the ATP Infosys Win/Loss Index. Success at the ATP Finals carries significant ranking and prize money implications for the players.

Arevalo and Pavic, despite their loss, remain a formidable doubles team, having secured ATP Masters 1000 titles in Indian Wells, Miami, and Rome this year. They were finalists in Turin last season. Salisbury and Skupski will next face Harri Heliovaara and Henry Patten, and Christian Harrison and Evan King in group play this week.

The pair will continue group stage play later this week, aiming to secure a spot in the semi-finals.