Indian-origin American becomes World No. 1 in doubles

Indian origin American Rajeev Ram has became the oldest first-time World No. 1 in Pepperstone ATP Doubles Rankings history.

The previous-oldest first-time World No. 1 was Bob Hewitt, who was 36 in 1976.

The American climbed from World No. 2, swapping places with partner Joe Salisbury of Great Britain.

Ram partnered Salisbury to their second consecutive US Open title last month which helped him climb to the World No. 2 position.

Ram played college tennis at the University of Illinois.

In 2003, his team won the national title and Ram claimed doubles glory with Brian Wilson, which earned him national attention.

He then enjoyed a successful singles career in which he climbed to a career-high World No. 56 in 2016.

However, he touched his peak after switching to doubles.

“It’s pretty amazing. I’ve obviously had quite a long career, which I’m grateful for. But it’s been over the past three or four years with Joe that it’s really felt like we’ve been at the top of the game and been contending for all the major titles,” Ram said.

“It’s a lot of hard work that a lot of people put in, not just me, to get me to this point.”

“Everyone is on their own path and maybe it’s even a little bit sweeter if it takes a little bit longer.”

We congratulate Rajeev Ram for attaining this milestone.