Rajeev Ram Bids Farewell at US Open Semifinals

Rajeev Ram, the former doubles world No. 1, played his final match at the US Open semifinals, where he and partner Joe Salisbury faced defeat against a German duo. Despite the loss, Ram celebrated a remarkable career, highlighted by three consecutive US Open titles and numerous accolades. An emotional farewell ceremony honored his contributions to the sport, as he reflected on his journey surrounded by family and friends. Ram's legacy includes six major titles and a record of 26 consecutive US Open appearances, making his exit from the sport a poignant moment in tennis history.

By Narendra Chaudhary Sep 11, 2026, 13:48 IST

Emotional Farewell for Rajeev Ram

Photo: @ians_india/X

New York, September 11: Former world No. 1 in doubles, Rajeev Ram, concluded his professional career during the US Open semifinals. The sixth-seeded German duo triumphed over Ram and his partner Joe Salisbury, who had previously secured three titles at Flushing Meadows.

Despite their impressive track record, Ram and Salisbury were unable to overcome the 2024 ATP Finals champions, Kevin Krawietz and Tim Puetz, losing with scores of 6-3, 6-4.

Following the match, USTA CEO Craig Tiley, who coached Ram at the University of Illinois, and US Open Tournament Director Eric Butorac, Ram's former doubles partner, honored him with a heartfelt ceremony.

Ram and Salisbury hold the unique distinction of being the only pair in the tournament's history to achieve a three-peat in men's doubles. Additionally, Ram's 26 consecutive appearances in US Open men's doubles are the most ever recorded.

Although they faced defeat against the German team, Ram expressed that he could not have envisioned a more fitting farewell to his career. Overcome with emotion, he addressed the audience, which included family, friends, and his childhood coach.

"Honestly, it couldn’t have been better,” Ram shared with USOpen.org. “The whole experience was perfect for me. My family, including my wife and mom, were present, along with my college coach and my former partner Eric Butorac, who is now the tournament director. My longtime partner Joe Salisbury, with whom I’ve shared countless memories, was also by my side."

Throughout his career, Ram secured six major titles—two in mixed doubles and four in men's doubles—along with 32 ATP doubles titles. He reached the pinnacle of the sport with a No. 1 ranking in 2023, clinched six Masters titles, and earned two Olympic silver medals, contributing significantly to the U.S. Davis Cup team.

Ram's dominance was particularly evident at the US Open, where he and Salisbury achieved an impressive streak of 20 consecutive wins, including three titles from 2021 to 2023, a record unmatched by any other men's team.

"Hopefully, someone will replicate this achievement in the future, but for now, we can proudly say we held it for a while," Ram remarked.

In the meantime, Krawietz and Puetz are set to compete against the reigning Australian Open champions, Christian Harrison and Neal Skupski, for the title. The fifth seeds eliminated the top seeds, Harri Heliovaara and Henry Patten, with a score of 7-6(4), 6-2.