The American, who retired from singles in 2017, had been number two in the rankings for much of the year. By Chris Oddo | @TheFanChild | Tuesday, October 4 2022
American Rajeev Ram, a three-time major doubles champion, has become the oldest first-time No.1 in ATP history.
The 38-year-old leapfrogged his partner, Joe Salisbury, on Monday October 3rd to notch the historical milestone.
Proud to be part of this club 💪🏾
Thank you everyone for your support! #WorldNumberOne📸 @CincyTennis
📸 @usopen pic.twitter.com/vun9tAgjGD— Rajeev Ram (@RajeevRam) October 3, 2022
Ram, fresh off winning the US Open title with Salisbury, passes Bob Hewitt, the previous-oldest first-time World No.1, who was 36 in 1976.
“I certainly appreciate that now because I feel like it shows the fact that you can wait long. As long as you’re resilient [and] persistent, things can happen, even much later,” Ram told Andrew Eichenholz of the ATP. “Everyone is on their own path and maybe it’s even a little bit sweeter if it takes a little bit longer.”
Ram is the 57th doubles player to hold the ATP’s No.1 ranking, and the 18th from the United States. He retired from singles in 2017, was a former World No.56. He has been on the rise as a doubles player ever since.
He has qualified for the prestigious ATP Finals on five occasions. Claimed 25 titles on tour, and won 397 doubles matches.
