Britain’s Joe Salisbury Ends 39-Year Drought at Roland Garros

Joe Salisbury became the first British player to win a ‘main-draw’ title at the French Open in 39 years. Playing alongside American Desirae Krawczyk in the mixed doubles tournament the pair came back after losing the first set to claim victory 2-6 6-4 10-5. Salisbury claimed the Australian Open men’s doubles title last year but his triumph in Paris was the first from a Brit at Roland Garros since John Lloyd in 1982!

“I just want to say to Des, it has been an incredible week for us and I don’t think we expected this,” said Salisbury after securing victory on Court Philippe Chatrier.

Salisbury was very much unknown outside the tennis world before the French Open but now he is a Grand Slam Champion there are rumours he could be promoted to one of the show courts at the Wimbledon Championships at the end of the month. This is an incredible turnaround for young man from London, who a couple of years ago was struggling on the Challenger Tour and losing money with his parents having to help finance his ambitions. One thing is for sure, he will receive a warm British welcome when he arrives at SW19 in a few weeks!