American
The duo’s performance at Flushing Meadows was particularly notable for its consistency. By securing the championship without dropping a single set, they became only the third team in the Open era to achieve such a feat at the US Open. They join the ranks of John McEnroe and Peter Fleming, who accomplished this in 1983, and Bob and Mike Bryan, who did so in 2008 and 2010.
A Remarkable Season for the New Partnership
The success is all the more impressive given the relative infancy of the partnership. Harrison and Skupski were competing in only their second tournament together when they claimed the title in Melbourne earlier this year. Their achievement at the US Open makes them the fourth men's team since 1988 to win both the Australian Open and the US Open in the same calendar year.
For Skupski, the win provided a sense of redemption after experiencing heartbreak in previous major finals. Having finished as a runner-up in both the US Open and the French Open with former partner Joe Salisbury, the Briton expressed his relief at finally securing the top prize. Reflecting on the journey, Skupski noted that while he had been in the championship position before, holding the trophy this time felt significantly better.
Overcoming Adversity on Home Soil
The victory holds special significance for the 32-year-old Harrison, who achieved a major title on home soil after a career defined by physical challenges. Between 2009 and 2018, Harrison underwent eight surgeries, including procedures on both hips, his adductor, and two operations on his left femur. These setbacks forced him to shift his focus away from singles competition to concentrate on doubles.
Harrison admitted that the long road to recovery brought moments of doubt, particularly as he navigated the aging process and the physical demands of the sport. However, he maintained his passion for the game throughout the process. The emotional moment was shared with his family, including his father and coach, Pat Harrison, who made a rare trip to watch his son play. For the runners-up, Krawietz and Puetz, the defeat marked their second loss in a US Open final in three years, following their 2024 final appearance against Max Purcell and Jordan Thompson.
