Krejcikova/Ram Win Australian Open Mixed Doubles Title

Rajeev Ram captured his first Grand Slam trophy of any kind on Saturday evening, partnering Barbora Krejcikova to win the Australian Open mixed doubles trophy. Ram and Krejcikova defeated home favourites John-Patrick Smith and Astra Sharma 7-6(3), 6-1.

Perhaps it’s fitting that Ram accomplished the feat at the Australian Open, where Tournament Director Craig Tiley handed him the trophy. Ram attended the University of Illinois for one semester in 2003 before turning professional. Tiley was Ram’s college coach.

Ram received his college degree from Indiana University East, a partner of the ATP Tour in supporting Tour members in their pursuit of higher education opportunities, in December.

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It was just the second time Ram and Krejcikova have competed together, after losing in the first round at Melbourne Park in 2017. But this time, after battling through Match Tie-breaks in their first two matches, the American-Czech duo won its final three matches without dropping a set. In addition to the coveted Slam trophy, Ram and Krejcikova will share $185,000 in prize money.

Home favourite Smith’s previous best result at a major came in men’s doubles at the 2017 US Open, where the left-hander partnered American Nicholas Monroe to the quarter-finals. Smith and Sharma will split $95,000 for their efforts.

from Tennis - ATP World Tour http://bit.ly/2WmTMwp