Skupski Finds His Way Back Home

Since leaving LSU in 2012, Neal Skupski has not only carved out a prestigious career in professional tennis, but he has also become a beacon for the sport's doubles division. His journey from a promising LSU athlete to a three-time Wimbledon doubles champion is a testament to his dedication and love for the game.

Skupski is one of, if not the most decorated LSU tennis player of all time. In his four years in the Purple and Gold (2008-12), he earned four different All-America honors in both singles and doubles, while also notching four All-SEC honors. Skupski was also named the Louisiana Player of the Year in 2011 and the SEC Freshman of the Year in 2009.

After his time in Baton Rouge, Skupski turned professional, focusing primarily on doubles. His first breakthrough came in 2019 when he clinched the Wimbledon doubles title alongside his brother and fellow LSU alum, Ken Skupski.

Following that initial win, Skupski's trophy cabinet expanded. He added two more Wimbledon titles in subsequent years, showcasing his ability to adapt and excel against the world's best.

His travels for tournaments have taken him around the world, from the sun-drenched courts of Australia to the vibrant cities hosting the ATP events, enriching his life with diverse cultural experiences and a broad fanbase.

Off the court, Skupski's life revolves around maintaining a balanced lifestyle. His love for coffee leads him to explore local coffee shops worldwide, giving him a taste of local culture wherever he competes. Golf serves as his mental escape from the intense focus required in tennis, allowing him to decompress and maintain mental health.

“I try and play as much golf as possible. It's still competitive, still a sport, but it takes my mind off the tennis and makes me relaxed. Coffee shops also put me in a good spot. I'm quite a coffee connoisseur. I’m always trying to find coffee shops all around the world when I'm at events, it helps me take my mind off the tennis and relax a little bit.”

His connection to LSU remains strong, often returning to Baton Rouge to train, reconnect with old friends, and share his expertise with the current LSU tennis team.

“I do really, really enjoy coming back”, Skupski said. “(LSU Men’s Tennis Head Coach) Danny Bryan was the assistant when I was here. I've got a lot to thank him for developing me as a tennis player. Whenever I can come back and talk to Danny, it’s great. We'll talk about all different things, memories and the program.”

As Skupski approaches the 2025 season, his focus remains on maintaining his physical condition, refining his game, and enjoying the journey. Whether he's mentoring young athletes at LSU, competing in the Wimbledon, or enjoying his downtime with a good cup of coffee, Skupski's post-LSU life exemplifies how one can extend the spirit of being an LSU Tiger into a global, professional arena.

“My four years here in Baton Rouge was a great steppingstone. It matured me a lot. I got the tennis that needed a lot of practice, a lot of matches. It was great, and it was a lot of fun."

You can listen to Neal talk more about his career and time at LSU on his episode of the Tigers Win podcast.