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Harrison Perseveres To Grand Slam Title
By Scoop Malinowski
Christian Harrison has won the first Grand Slam major title of his professional career at the 2026 Australian Open in Melbourne, Australia. The long-time Bradenton resident teamed up with Great Britain’s 36 year old Neal Skupski to defeat the Australian team of Marc Polmans and Jason Kubler 7-6 6-4.
Last year Harrison played mostly with fellow American Evan King and reached the top 15 in the ATP World Tour rankings. For this year he switched to play with Skupski, who had previously won a Grand Slam title at 2023 Wimbledon in doubles. Skupski, from Liverpool, was ranked no. 1 in the world in doubles in 2022.
“Unreal experience. This place is unreal to play. The crowds are incredible,” said Harrison. “For me, though, it was just simple. Just focused on just enjoying the moment with my partner. He brings a lot of experience. His level is just so high, and it really felt easy for me to just play my best tennis. So credit to him.”A raucous crowd of Australian and American fans generated a wonderful atmosphere inside the arena for the match which also attracted Bill Gates as a spectator in a courtside seat.Harrison and Skupski surged to a 5-2 lead but were not able to close out the set until they managed to win a tense first set tiebreaker 7-4. The second set was also very competitive but Harrison clinched the championship with an ace.
The 31 year old Harrison turned pro way back in 2007 at the age of fourteen. His singles career was ravaged by injuries – he endured ten different surgeries – and so he decided to concentrate on doubles three years ago. This Australian Open title is the fourth ATP title of Harrison’s career and by far the most lucrative. He will share the champion’s prize money of $900,000 with the ATP no. 9th ranked Skupski..
Before playing this Australian Open, Harrison had earned $1.4 million in his 18 year professional career.
The only other tournament Harrison and Skupski played together as a team was earlier in January in Adelaide, Australia where they reached the semifinals. For that result Harrison and Skupski split $10,060, or $5,030 each.
The win by Christian matches the 2017 Roland Garros doubles title his older brother Ryan Harrison won with partner Michael Venus. Also a Bradenton resident, Ryan now serves as Christian’s coach and was present at the title winning performance inside Rod Laver Arena.
Pat Harrison, the father of Christian and Ryan, operates a tennis academy in Bradenton.
AO · Bradenton · Christian Harrison · Grand Slam
Scoop Malinowski · February 2, 2026 at 3:38 pm
After 18 years on Tour and ten surgeries, Harrison finally wins his first Grand SLam title. One of the best stories of the year for sure.