Lancashire's very own Wimbledon Champions, Neal Skupski managed to find time in his busy schedule to speak to Chris Mansour, Lancashire LTA Councillor, here is what he had to say about his remarkable achievement. 

When Neal touched down in New York for the US Open he was already a Grand Slam champion!

The Lancashire lad had won the 2021 Wimbledon Mixed Doubles Championship with partner, Desirae Krawczyk, fulfilling a lifelong dream. Neal said it hasn’t really sunk in yet but, come end of season, he’ll have time to realise what he has achieved.

Neal, 31, started playing tennis at age 3 at Palmerston Tennis Club in Liverpool, next to his family home. He played with his dad, Ken, who was a Policeman, and his older brother, Ken junior. The Skupski family was well known at the club and many members were willing to hit with Neal even at that tender age. The brothers’ huge talent was clear to all and Neal quickly progressed to County training. He represented Lancashire many times at junior and senior level and won a tennis scholarship to Louisiana State University which eventually led him to joining his big brother on the professional tour in 2013.

The pair have won numerous ATP Tour titles together and this year Neal paired up with Dan Evans to reach the Masters 1000 finals at Miami and Monte Carlo before winning his title at Wimbledon. In addition, he is a Davis Cup regular and, as of 2021, an Olympian, representing GB in Tokyo 2020. He is rapidly ticking things off his bucket list! Neal credits his dad with influencing his career and preparing him for both tennis and life.

As a result, Neal wants to give that back to young players, many of whom have already been inspired by him and his achievements. An academy in Liverpool focusing on junior talent is perhaps in his future but for now there are more tour titles to win. And everyone in Lancashire is rooting for him.