Liverpool's Neal Skupski retains mixed doubles title at Wimbledon

  • Neal Skupski spoke to ITV Granada Sport Correspondent Mike Hall

Liverpool's Neal Skupski has retained his mixed doubles title at Wimbledon with American partner Desirae Krawczyk - making them the first pair to win back-to-back in 25 years.

Skupski and Krawczyk claimed a 6-4 6-3 victory over Australian duo Matt Ebden and Sam Stosur.

They are now the first pair since Cyril Suk and Helena Sukova, 25 years ago, to win back-to-back mixed titles at Wimbledon.

It is the second year in a row Skupski has won the title. Credit: PA images

It is a second grand slam crown for 32-year-old Liverpudlian Skupski and a fourth for 28-year-old Krawczyk.

Skupski revealed afterwards the duo were not even intending to play together, with Krawczyk teaming up with another British partner, Joe Salisbury, who she won the French Open and US Open titles last year with.

But when Salisbury decide not to enter into the mixed, it left Skupski facing an awkward conversation with Canadian Gaby Dabrowski, who he had planned to play with.

"Obviously a great decision by me to change," he said. "To try to defend the title with someone you won it with the year before is something I wanted to do personally.

"It was very special to do that at Wimbledon.

"It is very difficult. The doubles tour, it happens, people get dropped week in, week out. People do get used to it. It's not nice."

Neal said to win with his family watching from the box was "definitely extra special". Credit: PA images

Skupski added: "Wimbledon for me is the best tournament in the world. To be able to win it once with Des, then back it up, win it again, it's quite crazy.

"Last year was my first grand slam. Amazing to have more people in the box today, especially for my parents to watch me live.

"They weren't able to come last year. It's definitely extra special this year for me."

Liverpool City Council used social media to congratulate Skupski on his title.