USA: At 41 years old, American tennis star Rajeev Ram defied the odds and age to claim the men’s doubles title at the 2025 Cincinnati Open, making history as the second-oldest champion in the tournament’s Open Era. Partnering with Croatia’s Nikola Mektic, Ram secured their maiden ATP Masters 1000 trophy together in a thrilling final, triumphing over Italy’s Lorenzo Musetti and Lorenzo Sonego with a scoreline of 4–6, 6–3, [10–5].
The victory was a dramatic come-from-behind win, showcasing Ram and Mektic’s resilience and skill on the court. Their dominant first serve percentage of 87% helped swing momentum in their favor in a tightly contested 90-minute match.
Rajeev Ram’s achievement at Cincinnati adds to his already illustrious career, which includes six Grand Slam titles and two Olympic silver medals. By clinching this title, he etched his name just behind Daniel Nestor, who won the Cincinnati men’s doubles crown at age 42 in 2015.
The pairing of Ram and Mektic, though only recently formed this year, demonstrated remarkable chemistry, having known each other for over three decades. Mektic, one of the most seasoned doubles players, celebrated his 11th Masters 1000 title and reached the rare feat of playing the final at all nine ATP Masters 1000 events.
This win is a significant boost for Ram and Mektic in the ATP Live Doubles Team Rankings, propelling them up by 196 places to No. 25. As they set their sights on the upcoming US Open, their Cincinnati victory signals their strong form and readiness for another deep run in a major tournament.
Ram’s success is a testament to his enduring athleticism, passion, and dedication to the sport—proving that age is no barrier to elite performance in tennis doubles. For fans and aspiring athletes alike, his story is an inspiring example of longevity, skill, and collaboration at the highest level of professional tennis.
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