US Open: “3-PEAT!” Says Rajeev Ram Making History By Clinching The Doubles Title

Rajeev Ram posted this image of the pair’s three victories

India-West News Desk

NEW YORK, NY –  Rajeev Ram and Joe Salisbury made tennis history by becoming the first team in the Open Era to secure three consecutive doubles titles at the US Open. The American-British duo triumphed over the formidable pair of Matthew Ebden and the 43-year-old Rohan Bopanna of India in a thrilling encounter that ended with a scoreline of 2-6, 6-3, 6-4.

Rajeev Ram and Joe Salisbury’s journey to this historic victory was marked by a remarkable winning streak in New York, having previously claimed the titles in 2021 and 2022. Their stellar partnership has seen them lift four major titles together, including the 2020 Australian Open.

Ram, who grew up in Carmel, Indiana was emotional while reflecting on his journey and the significance of their achievement, stating, “I have been lucky enough to come here every year since I was 14… It is something I could never have thought of in my wildest dreams, and I have got to thank so many people, but especially my partner.” Now 34, this is Ram’s first Grand Slam title.

Salisbury praised their partnership, saying, “This partnership is special… we know we are going to give it our all, fight hard, and give it our best until the very end. That is what we did today.”

In a match played in scorching e heat at Arthur Ashe Stadium, Ram and Salisbury improved their returns as the battle raged on, consistently pressuring their opponents at the net. They saved all four break points they faced in the second and third sets, ultimately converting two crucial opportunities to clinch victory.

Rohan Bopanna

However, amidst the intense competition, it was sportsmanship that shone brightly. Despite facing defeat, Rohan Bopanna displayed exceptional integrity at a crucial juncture in the third set, acknowledging a foul on himself when the umpire missed an infringement. This gesture won Bopanna accolades from Ram who specifically brought it up at the winners ceremony, saying, “Rohan and I are close… It just shows what kind of guy he is and how deserving he is at this point in his career playing for these kinds of titles. You are an inspiration to all of us.”

Bopanna had been aiming to secure his maiden major trophy, having narrowly missed out in the US Open final in 2010. Matthew Ebden, his partner, was also vying for his second Grand Slam crown after winning at Wimbledon in 2022.