Grand Slam winner retires after mental health break as emotional statement released
Joe Salisbury has retired from tennis after having previously taken a break from the sport to focus on his mental health. Salisbury is a former ATP world No. 1 in doubles and has won Grand Slam titles in both men’s and mixed doubles.
Salisbury had stepped away from tennis at the back end of 2025, but returned earlier this year and was in action at the recent US Open. The 34-year-old was part of a doubles pairing with long-time partner Rajeev Ram, and the two made it as far as the semi-finals.
In a statement posted to Instagram, he wrote: “Hi everyone… I haven’t posted anything for a while but I wanted to share some news. I’ve decided I’m retiring from professional tennis. I’ve been thinking about it for a while and am now very happy with the decision.
“Tennis has been my life for as long as I can remember and I have been incredibly fortunate to have had all the opportunities, experiences and success that I have. To be able to travel the world and call playing tennis my job has been a dream come true and I never believed I could have lived the life and had the career that I have. I gave it my all and know I can be proud and look back with no regrets.”
He added: “The best thing about it all has been the people I’ve met along the way and shared these times with and many of them will be the closest people to me for the rest of my life. I feel so lucky to have had so much amazing support and there are too many people to mention but I am grateful to you all. A special thanks to my parents, Natalie, Rajeev, Justin, Louis, Dave, TC, Ed and the LTA. Without all of you I could not have done this so thank you.
“I’m not sure what’s next for me but I know I have so much to look forward to and so much to be happy right now and I know that all the highs and lows, good times and bad on this crazy tennis journey have made me a stronger and better person. Much love, Joe.”
Salisbury ends his career with four Grand Slam men’s doubles titles at the Australian Open (2020) and US Open (2021, 2022 and 2023), and two mixed doubles trophies at Roland Garros (2021) and the US Open (2021).
His three-peat with Ram at the US Open between 2021 and 2023 remains the only time in history that a pair have won three Flushing Meadows men’s doubles titles in a row.
He also made his Davis Cup debut in 2021, and played seven times for his country. On top of that, Salisbury represented Team GB at the 2020 and 2024 Olympic Games.
Reacting to the announcement, Louis Cayer, Salisbury’s long-time coach and advisor, said: “Joe, all great things come to an end! I worked with you from very early in your career till your very last match at this US Open.
“Finishing with a semi-final, in a place where you had made history with three titles in a row, has a nice feeling, I would say. I was honoured to support you on your journey to becoming one of the best doubles players in the world, reaching world No.1, six Slam titles, and many tour titles, but what was most impressive was how you achieved it.
“You became an outstanding athlete and competitor while always remaining humble, thoughtful and respectful of those around you. Your athleticism was legendary on the tour. Your remarkable coverage at the net made you extremely difficult to pass and almost impossible to lob.
