Wimbledon 2019: Joe Salisbury opens up on how health concerns and income worries are problems of the past

Exclusive interview: From chronic fatigue problems to Wimbledon semi-finalist, the British doubles player talks about his route to the top of the men’s doubles tour

For all the commotion, understandably so, about Andy Murray’s return to Wimbledon in the doubles this week, as well as a potential third round match-up against brother Jamie, British supporters may not have to rely on the Dunblane siblings for success at SW19... for once.

Among the staggering 12 pairs with British involvement in the Gentlemen’s Doubles, it is the 12^th seeds, British player Joe Salisbury and American journeyman Rajeev Ram, who come into Wimbledon in the best form.

Yet the road to a Wimbledon seeding has not been plain sailing for Salisbury, who grew up in Putney, west London. Originally taking the increasingly utilised route of the U.S. college system, by enrolling at the University of Memphis from 2010-2014, the 27-year-old persevered for three years afterwards in the gruelling, exhausting levels of tennis below the ATP Tour. Playing on the ATP Challenger Tour and in ITF Futures events, it was draining to the point that Salisbury suffered from chronic fatigue issues.

“I had glandular fever when I was younger and I’ve struggled with it since then,” said Salisbury, speaking to The Independent.

“At times, I was really struggling to put everything into it. Two years after college, I had a few months off. I’ve got some allergies and intolerances, and I think it’s all part of the reason I decided to focus entirely on doubles. I’m not having to do as much endurance work, and obviously the matches aren’t as physically tough as in singles.

“Then it’s just about managing my schedule, but it’s been a lot better over the last two years.”

While Salisbury gradually recovered health-wise, his ranking gradually increased to the point where he is now playing regular events on the ATP Tour, and receiving a decent income – he has earnt over £200,000 already in 2019. However, it wasn’t always fine and dandy, and thoughts about ‘hanging up the racket’ were always lingering in the back of his mind, predominantly due to income worries.

“It’s pretty impossible to make a living. You’re breaking even, and that’s without having a coach as well as travel expenses and hotels. Even if you’re doing well at the Challengers in doubles, you’re not making any money.”

Indeed, in 2015 and 2016 combined he earnt a measly $13,306 in prize money. A wildcard into Wimbledon last year though, changed his life.

In partnership with Frederik Nielsen, who won the men’s doubles in 2012 with Brit Jonathan Marray, the duo reached the semi-finals, eventually losing out in four sets to Raven Klaasen and Michael Venus. Nonetheless, it made Salisbury the best British performer in senior tennis (excluding mixed doubles) at last year’s Championships, and increased his ranking from 80 to 41. The £56,000 came in handy too.

Joe Salisbury (right) and Frederik Nielsen stormed to the semi-finals of Wimbledon last year (Getty) ((Getty))

“I was fortunate enough to have a breakthrough at Wimbledon last year and that set me up to get into tour events. I think a lot of people can take advantage of a wild card, because it’s tough to get to tour level by playing Challengers simply because the points are so much smaller.”

Standing at 6’4” tall, he has been on the rise ever since. Currently at a career-high of 19 in the world, could a call-up to the British team for the inaugural Davis Cup Finals in November be on the horizon?

“I would love to be involved! There is obviously a lot of British doubles players at the moment and you’re now chucking Andy into the mix. It’s tough, as even if I make top-10 it still might not be enough to make the team. I’m definitely ready to take it though if I did get the chance.”

With the Murrays, Skupskis and Dominic Inglot all playing in the upper echelons of the doubles tour, Salisbury is correct that competition for places is high. Despite that, it seems he’s very satisfied focusing on his current partnership with Ram, which started at the beginning of 2019.

Salisbury and 2019 partner Ram (left) reached the final at Queen’s Club two weeks ago (Getty) (Getty Images)

The pair won their first title together in Dubai, and reached the quarter-finals of the French Open. The pair ran Murray and Lopez close in the Queen’s final too, falling in a match tie-break. They’re also 11^th in the ‘Race to London’ to play in the World Tour Finals at the 02 Arena in November – a season goal for the duo.

“It’s disappointing we didn’t win Queen’s, but we’re feeling very confident going into Wimbledon. It’s mine and Rajeev’s favourite surface, and this is the tournament we look forward to all year.”

With his mind very much in the present, and a first round match against Radu Albot and Malek Jaziri to look forward to on court 9 later on Wednesday, a successful fortnight at the All England Club could spring the softly spoken Salisbury straight into the public spotlight.