How a tire change underpinned Skupski's return to doubles World No. 1
Neal Skupski has returned to the summit of the PIF ATP Doubles Rankings, climbing to World No. 1 for the first time in 29 months.
The Briton’s rise to the top was sealed in emphatic fashion, having won the Australian Open alongside Christian Harrison. Their partnership only started this offseason and featured a memorable beginning, with the duo changing a tire together. Following the pair’s triumph in Melbourne, Skupski skyrocketed from No. 9 to No. 1.
“I knew then that there was a chance of getting back to World No. 1,” said the 36-year-old Skupski. “I think that’s the best way to get No. 1 — winning a Grand Slam.”
Harrison and Skupski were competing in their second tournament together in Melbourne, arriving at the season’s first major after a semi-final run in Adelaide. Down a set in the opening round of the Australian Open and twice facing 0/40 on their serve in the second set, Harrison and Skupski dug out of early trouble against Jakob Schnaitter and Mark Wallner.
“We watched a lot of film after that to see where we could improve,” said Skupski. “And it definitely helped us moving forward throughout the two weeks.”
Harrison and Skupski downed home favourites Jason Kubler and Marc Polmans 7-6(4), 6-4 in the championship match. The pair’s teamwork and chemistry, which formed in the offseason in an unexpected manner, proved effective as the duo did not drop a set after its first-round scare.
“Probably our first team bonding event was changing one of Christian’s tires,” Skupski said. “Christian came to Baton Rouge to do preseason with me in December for one week. He got a flat on his rental car, so we did that as a team together. It was quite funny.”
[NO 1 CLUB]Skupski has amassed 18 tour-level doubles titles across his standout career, including two major crowns (2023 Wimbledon, alongside Wesley Koolhof). In November 2022, Skupski ascended to No. 1 in the PIF ATP Doubles Rankings for the first time. A three-time qualifier for the prestigious Nitto ATP Finals, Skupski most recently held No. 1 honours in August 2023.
“I think the only thing that was different was the first time being very nervous going into one of the matches in the end of 2022 knowing that if I won that match in Paris, we knew we’d be No. 1, me and Koolhof,” said Skupski.
After reflecting on his journey back to the top, Skupski is already looking ahead to new challenges and goals in 2026.
“Getting back to World No. 1 definitely brings confidence and it’s been a great start to the year with Christian,” said Skupski. “Now it’s time to push on again and we need to reevaluate our goals.
“Winning a Grand Slam was one of our goals at the start of the season, so we’ll have to think about that and come up with new targets.”
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