Rajeev Ram won men’s doubles ATP title at 41
- US presidential hopeful Vivek Ramaswamy hails his childhood friend Rajeev Ram’s Cincinnati Open triumph, calling it a milestone in his decorated career.
Vivek Ramaswamy took to social media to celebrate the success of his longtime friend, Indian-origin tennis star Rajeev Ram, after the 41-year-old clinched the men’s doubles ATP title at the 2025 Cincinnati Open. Teaming up with Nikola Mektić, Ram defeated Italy’s Lorenzo Musetti and Lorenzo Sonego in a nail-biting final, 4–6, 6–3, [10–5]. The win added a prestigious Masters 1000 title to Ram’s remarkable career and showcased his ability to perform at the highest level well beyond the typical prime years of professional tennis, reported timesofindia.indiatimes.com.
Ramaswamy, who once competed against Ram in junior tournaments across the Midwest, praised his friend’s journey from a promising local talent to a global tennis champion. With six Grand Slam titles and two Olympic silver medals, Ram’s career stands as a testament to endurance, adaptability, and excellence.
At 41, Rajeev Ram proved age is just a number by winning one of the ATP’s biggest doubles titles
Born on March 18, 1984, in Denver, Colorado, to Indian immigrant parents Raghav and Sushma Ram, Rajeev grew up in Carmel, Indiana. His tennis journey began early, with standout performances at national junior tournaments. After briefly attending the University of Illinois, he turned professional in 2004. Over two decades later, he remains one of the most respected doubles specialists in the sport.
Ram’s illustrious career includes silver medals at the 2016 Rio Olympics (mixed doubles with Venus Williams) and the 2024 Paris Olympics (men’s doubles with Austin Krajicek). Alongside British partner Joe Salisbury, he has lifted six Grand Slam titles, including three consecutive Australian Opens and three US Opens.
Standing 6’4”, Ram is renowned for his classic serve-and-volley style, an aggressive net game, and a sharp one-handed backhand. Beyond titles, his longevity, humility, and mentorship of young athletes have cemented his legacy as a role model for immigrant athletes worldwide.
