US Open 2026: Skupski and Harrison reach men's doubles final after upsetting top seeds

Last night at Flushing Meadows, the pair of Neal Skupski (GBR) and Christian Harrison (USA) brilliantly defeated top seeds Henry Patten / Harri Heliovaara 7-6(4), 6-2 in 1 hour and 23 minutes to secure a spot in the men's doubles final of the 2026 US Open.

Stunning upset over top seeds Patten and Heliovaara, Grand Slam champions and a dominant force in men's doubles, entered the match as heavy favorites. However, Skupski (36) and Harrison (32) played with great composure, fully exploiting their lefty-righty combination to control the net game.

The first set was tight with no breaks. In the tiebreak, the Anglo-American duo played more precisely, winning 7-4. In the second set, they maintained pressure, broke the opponents' serve, and closed 6-2.

Key highlight: Consistency and clutch play Notably, Skupski and Harrison have not dropped a set throughout the tournament. They are in top form, especially in crucial moments. Beating the world's top-ranked pair further confirms their class.

Skupski: From last year's final heartbreak to redemption chance This is the second consecutive US Open final for Neal Skupski. In 2026, he and Joe Salisbury lost a dramatic final after missing three championship points. Now with new partner Christian Harrison, Skupski has a chance to make amends. "Last year we were so close, but this year is different. Harrison and I understand each other better, and today's win is proof," Skupski said after the match.

Tactical analysis: Lefty-righty advantage One key factor in Skupski/Harrison's victory was the lefty-righty combination. Skupski's left-handed serve from the deuce court creates awkward angles, forcing Patten to return from unfavorable positions, allowing Harrison to poach at net.

Final opponent: Awaiting Saturday showdown Skupski and Harrison will await their final opponent in Saturday's championship match. It is an opportunity for Skupski to win his fifth Grand Slam title (after Wimbledon 2026, Australian Open 2026, and mixed doubles titles). For Harrison, it is his first US Open final, promising a high-level contest.

Tournament overview The 2026 US Open has seen a dominance of net-play pairs. The medium-fast hard court suits serve-and-volley style. With a perfect record of no sets dropped, Skupski/Harrison are now the top contenders for the title.

Conclusion The victory over the top seeds is a strong signal that Skupski and Harrison are ready for the final. If they maintain focus and capitalize on opportunities, they can lift the 2026 US Open trophy. Vietnamese tennis fans will surely follow every move of this pair.