Rajeev Ram, a former world No. 1 in men’s doubles, ended his illustrious career at the US Open, where he and partner Joe Salisbury were defeated in the semifinals by the sixth-seeded German duo of Kevin Krawietz and Tim Puetz.
New York, Sep 11 – Rajeev Ram, a significant figure in men’s doubles tennis, played his final professional match at the US Open on September 10, 2026. Ram, alongside his longtime partner Joe Salisbury, faced the sixth-seeded German team of Kevin Krawietz and Tim Puetz in the semifinals. The match concluded with a score of 6-3, 6-4, marking the end of an era for the three-time US Open champions.
Ram and Salisbury had previously dominated the tournament from 2021 to 2023, winning three consecutive titles and solidifying their place in the tournament’s history as the only duo to achieve a three-peat in men’s doubles. Ram’s career is also notable for his remarkable 26 consecutive appearances in the US Open men’s doubles, the most in the tournament’s history. This legacy reflects both his skill on the court and his enduring commitment to the sport.
Final Match and Emotional Farewell
Following the semifinal match, an emotional ceremony was held to honor Ram’s contributions to tennis. USTA CEO Craig Tiley, who was also Ram’s college coach at the University of Illinois, and US Open Tournament Director Eric Butorac, a former doubles partner of Ram’s, paid tribute to the player’s achievements. Tiley remarked on Ram’s legacy, stating, “Rajeev has not only defined excellence in doubles but has also been an inspiration to many young athletes.” This heartfelt recognition underscored the impact Ram has had both on and off the court.
Despite the loss, Ram expressed gratitude for the opportunity to say farewell in such a meaningful and heartfelt manner. “Honestly, it couldn’t have been better,” he stated in an interview with USOpen.org. “The whole thing, to me, couldn’t have been any better. My family was there. My wife and my mom were there. My college coach was there. My former partner Eric Butorac was there, and now he is the tournament director. My longstanding partner (Joe Salisbury), with whom I’ve shared so many good memories, was there with me as well.” His words highlighted the personal significance of the event, reinforcing the emotional ties that athletes have with their families and mentors throughout their careers.
Career Highlights and Records
Throughout his career, Ram accumulated an impressive collection of accolades, including six major titles (two in mixed doubles and four in men’s doubles) and a total of 32 ATP doubles titles. He reached the pinnacle of the sport when he attained the No. 1 ranking in 2023, showcasing his consistency and high-level performance over the years. In addition to his Grand Slam successes, he won six Masters titles and earned two Olympic silver medals, further solidifying his status as one of the elite players in the game.
Ram was also a vital member of the U.S. Davis Cup team, contributing significantly to its successes. His collaborative spirit and leadership were instrumental in fostering a competitive team dynamic, which often translated into success on the international stage. Ram and Salisbury’s dominance in the US Open was characterized by an extraordinary 20-match winning streak, culminating in their three consecutive titles—a feat unmatched by any other men’s team. Reflecting on their accomplishments, Ram commented, “Hopefully somebody will do it at some point, but I guess we can say we had it for a while.” This humble acknowledgment serves as a testament to the competitive nature of professional sports, where records are made to be challenged.
Looking Ahead: The Final Matchup
As Ram’s career officially came to a close, Krawietz and Puetz advanced to the finals, where they will compete against the reigning Australian Open champions, Christian Harrison and Neal Skupski. The fifth-seeded duo secured their spot in the finals by defeating the top-seeded team of Harri Heliovaara and Henry Patten with a score of 7-6(4), 6-2. This final matchup promises to be a competitive showcase of talent, as both teams have demonstrated strong performances throughout the tournament.
Ram’s retirement marks the end of a significant chapter in men’s doubles tennis, celebrated not only for his achievements on the court but also for his sportsmanship and dedication to the game. His legacy will undoubtedly influence future generations of tennis players, inspiring them to achieve excellence while maintaining the integrity and camaraderie that Ram exemplified throughout his career. As tennis continues to evolve, the impact of players like Ram will resonate in the sport for years to come.
