Rajeev Ram and Joe Salisbury Win First Grand Slam Title

Rajeev Ram and Joe Salisbury won their first double grand slam title at the Australian Open beating Australian wild-card team of Max Purcell and Luke Saville 6-4, 6-2.

This was Ram’s second grand slam title.  He had won the 2019 Australian Open mixed doubles title with Barbora Krejčíková.  He did not defend his mixed doubles title this year and chose to focus on his doubles instead.

Ram played tennis at the University of Illinois, and Salibury played at the University of Memphis.

The win was emotional for Ram.  Ram said, “My father passed away in April of last year with pancreatic cancer,” he said. “He was the one that started me in tennis.”

“When something like that happens, it shakes you pretty good. Yes, it’s been challenging, but sometimes that stuff, when it happens, makes these moments a little bit more sweet.  Obviously I wish all the world that my dad could have seen this. I think I’ve done well to make him proud hopefully.”

Ram thanked Salisbury for part in winning the title. “He doesn’t show it outwardly, but he’s incredibly competitive, especially on the tennis court,” he said. “His ability to rise to the occasion is pretty special. Obviously he’s an incredible athlete, too. Those two things for me stick out. “One thing that’s also helped us is we’ve become really good partners to each other. When we’re nervous in tough situations, we’re not afraid to say what we think. There’s a bit of trust there. He’s taken to that, as both of us have, really well. His open-mindedness has been pretty good.”

In his victory speech, Salisbury said of Ram, “I didn’t think when I asked you to play just over a year ago that we’d be standing here now, but it’s been an honor to play with you. It’s been so much fun to have you as my partner and as my friend. Thank you so much for being the best partner I could get.”

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Ekaterina  Makarova Retires From Professional Tennis

Russian tennis player Ekaterina  Makarova has announced her retirement from professional tennis. 31-year old Makarova  shared the news on social media with her fans.

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Dear friends! I have important news for you today. I made a difficult decision to end my professional career in tennis. Today I want to thank everyone who has been with me shoulder to shoulder all these years. Who took part in my sports career, starting from my childhood and ending with it. I was lucky enough to work with the best team of professionals. My favorite coaches, sparring, massage therapists, and osteopaths. My team has always been my mainstay and support. I would like to thank my lovely family and friends who have always been there for me. I always feel your love and support. My family is my source of energy and inspiration. My dear, faithful fans! You have always supported me anywhere in the world. Thank you from the bottom of my heart! Your faith in me, gave me strength and helped me move forward to victories! I am very happy and proud of my sports career. It's time to move on and start a new stage in my life. Your Kate❤ Дорогие друзья! Сегодня у меня для вас важная новость. Я приняла непростое решение о завершении профессиональной карьеры в теннисе. Сегодня я хочу поблагодарить каждого, кто был со мной плечо к плечу все эти годы. Кто принимал участие в моей спортивной карьере, начиная с самого детства и до ее завершения. Мне посчастливилось работать с лучшей командой профессионалов. Мои любимые тренеры, спарринги, массажисты, остеопаты. Моя команда всегда была для меня опорой и поддержкой. Самую большую благодарность я выражаю моей любимой семье, мои близким, что всегда были рядом. Я всегда чувствую вашу любовь и поддержку. Моя семья – мой источник энергии и вдохновения. Дорогие мои, преданные фанаты! Вы всегда меня поддерживали в любой точке земного шара. Благодарю вас от всей души! Ваша вера в меня придавала мне сил и помогала двигаться вперед, к победам! Я очень довольна и горжусь своей спортивной карьерой. Наступило время двигаться дальше и начинать новый этап в своей жизни. Ваша Катя❤️

A post shared by Ekaterina Makarova (@katemakarova1) on

She won 3 WTA singles titles and 15 doubles titles in her career. She reached the singles semifinals at Australian Open and the US Open. Makarova won doubles grand slam titles at the French Open, Wimbledon and the US Open, and a mixed doubles title at the US Open. She also won the doubles gold medal for Russia at the 2016 Olympics.

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