Iconic American former World No.1 walks away from tennis with emotional message

Tuesday, 22 September 2026 at 12:30

Rajeev Ram has long been one of the forebearers when it comes to American tennis and in particular doubles tennis and he walked away following the US Open.

Ram played for the final time at Flushing Meadows alongside Joe Salisbury. He was beaten in the semi-finals of the Grand Slam by Tim Putz and Kevin Krawietz and Ram subsequently brought his career to an end.

The American won four Grand Slam titles including three US Open crowns and reached the summit of doubles back in 2022. It is a fitting end for an icon of the sport to retire on home turf.

As well as four Grand Slam titles in main doubles, Ram also won two mixed doubles Grand Slam titles at the Australian Open in 2019 and 2021, both alongside Barbora Krejcikova.

Ram also claimed two Olympic silver medals alongside Venus Williams and Austin Krajicek in Paris and Rio.

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“The reality is that all of this started as just a game. I always thought tennis could be a sport for life for me, but I never envisioned that it would make my life.

“There were many wins and losses along the way, but I always felt like my purpose in this game was to simply work to be better today than I was yesterday.

“That was my driving force, my why, and the thing that kept me going for more than two decades. And I had the time of my life doing so.

“To any person who comes from South Asian heritage: I’m here to tell you that you can do anything you want if you commit to it. There’s no certain path you have to follow, and nothing is out of reach.

“If you set your mind to achieving your dream and surround yourself with the right people, it can happen… I’m living proof. And finally, to all of those who supported me, cheered for me, suffered with me, and loved me… Thank you.

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“It’s you who took me from the boy with a passion in the first picture to the man with a lifetime of memories in the last picture. I hope I did you proud.

And Dad… there have been so many days I’ve wanted to share with you, and this is no exception. I miss you. I love you. Thank you. I hope I made you the proudest.”

Samuel GillEditor-in-Chief

Samuel Gill is the Chief Content Officer (CCO) of TennisUpToDate.com, a role he has held since 2020. He is responsible for editorial governance across the platform, including setting content standards, overseeing accuracy and consistency, and guiding long-term editorial strategy. Since joining, he has contributed more than 10,000 articles and editorial pieces across the TennisUpToDate network, playing a central role in the daily operation and development of the site.

Based in Leicester, Samuel has a broad background in tennis media. In his current role, he works closely with editors and writers to ensure coverage meets clear journalistic standards, with particular attention to verification, consistency, and timely updates when new information becomes available.

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