ABOUT RAJEEV RAM
Discover the inspiring journey of Grand Slam Champion and two-time Olympic Silver Medalist Rajeev Ram, and his mission to empower Indiana youth to reach their full potential through tennis, education, and opportunity.
RAJEEV RAM BIO
Rajeev Ram has garnered six Grand Slams over his storied career. Currently, he is preparing for a fourth US Open title after winning in 2021, 2022 and 2023, alongside doubles partner Joe Salisbury. Rajeev and Joe also won the 2020 Australian Open and clinched the ATP Tour Finals in 2022 and 2023. Additionally, Rajeev won the 2019 and 2021 Australian Open Mixed Doubles titles.
Rajeev turned pro in 2004 and won two ATP Tour singles titles at the Newport Tennis Hall of Fame before transitioning to doubles in 2017. Rajeev secured Silver at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris alongside men’s doubles partner Austin Krajiceck , and at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro alongside mixed doubles partner and former World No. 1 Venus Williams. Rajeev also competed at the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo and has represented Team USA in the Davis Cup 2021-2024. Rajeev achieved a World No. 1 ranking in October 2022.
Rajeev was born in Denver, Colorado and raised in Carmel, Indiana. He competed on the Carmel High School boys’ tennis team, capturing the 2000 IHSAA boys singles state title as a sophomore. Rajeev is coached by Bryan Smith. They have worked together since Rajeev was 14-years-old. Smith, a two-time IHSAA boys singles state champion in 1990 and 1992 representing Center Grove High School in Greenwood, Indiana, competed for Purdue University and Ball State University. Smith has served as a decorated teaching pro across Indianapolis and coaches Rajeev on the road.
Rajeev took his talents to the University of Illinois, where he competed on the men's tennis team for one season. Earning Big Ten Freshman of the Year in 2003, he was simultaneously crowned an undefeated (32-0) NCAA National Champion with the Fighting Illini, and the NCAA Men's Doubles Champion alongside partner Brian Wilson. Rajeev completed his freshman doubles season (28-5), ranked No. 6 in the final ITA Collegiate National Doubles Rankings. He completed his freshman singles season (24-3), ranked No. 22 in the final ITA Collegiate National Singles Rankings.
Rajeev earned his Bachelor of General Studies degree with a concentration in humanities and social sciences at Indiana University East in December 2018. In 2021, Rajeev was awarded The Sagamore of the Wabash, Indiana’s highest honorary award, by Governor Eric Holcomb. In 2016, Rajeev married Zainab Saqib, who, alongside his mother Sushma, is his biggest supporter.
Rajeev enjoys spending time with family, playing ping pong, listening to music, and golf.
Rajeev is a brand ambassador for Babolat, New Balance, and Solinco.
Photo Credit: Mike Lawrence, @USOpen
RAJEEV RAM FAST FACTS
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March 18, 1984
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Raj made his pro debut in 2004.
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Right-handed; one-handed backhand
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6’4” (1.93 m) and 185 lbs (~84 kg)
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CAREER HIGHLIGHTS
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#1 October 2022
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No. 56 (April 2016)
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2020 doubles champion with Joe Salisbury
2021 doubles finalist with Joe Salisbury
2019 and 2021 Mixed doubles champion with Barbora Krejcikova
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2017 Mixed doubles finalist
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2016 doubles semifinalist
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2021, 2022, & 2023 Men’s doubles champion with Joe Salisbury
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Paris 2024 – Men's Doubles Silver Medal with Austin Krajicek
Rio de Janeiro 2016 – Mixed Doubles Silver Medal with Venus Williams
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2022, 2023 Champion with Joe Salisbury
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Singles: 7
Doubles: 27 -
2017 doubles champion with Raven Klaasen
RAJEEV RAM FAQS
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My favorite tournaments are Wimbledon because of the tradition, the Australian Open because of how well we (the players) are treated, and Cincinnati because it’s close to home.
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I admired Pete Sampras and Boris Becker growing up, so playing doubles with either would be a treat.
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I’m going to take the simple way out here and say I have five: Winning the Australian Open men’s and mixed doubles titles with such good partners, winning the Olympic silver medal with a tennis legend, and also being a part of the NCAA Championship men’s tennis team at the University of Illinois and winning my first ATP singles title in Newport.
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My pre-match routine is pretty simple. I usually warm up about two hours before I play, have a meal, and try to get clear-minded and focus on my match that day.
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As we travel so much as tennis players, I like to come back home and hang out with friends and family when I’m not on tour. Being home is like a vacation for me.
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Well, in general my favorite food is Indian food, so we can start there. To be honest, though, something that I miss while traveling is food cooked at home. I’m not such a picky eater, so just about anything home-cooked will do.
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Something people don’t know is that I did obtain my college degree through online classes. I played for Craig Tiley, the current CEO of the USTA, at my Big Ten Conference school, Illinois, and then I departed early to turn pro. Having a degree has always been a goal of mine, and I’m glad for it.
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Pro tennis is a job. There are certain parts that are great and glamorous, but the vast majority is hard work. Make sure you love the game first and not just the idea of what that life might be like. I think my passion for the sport itself has been the reason I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time on tour so far – and it’s hardly over.
DONATE TODAY.
Support Indiana’s youth by donating to the Rajeev Ram Foundation today.