Carmel’s Rajeev Ram takes a group picture with the Greyhounds boys tennis team on what is now “Rajeev Ram Court.” Carmel’s main court at the Todd Witsken Tennis Center was named after Ram, a six-time Grand Slam champion and Olympic medalist, during a ceremony Wednesday. (Richie Hall)
Carmel’s main tennis court named after six-time Grand Slam champion
By RICHIE HALL
CARMEL – When Rajeev Ram graduated from Carmel High School in 2002, he was already a state champion.
Rajeev Ram speaks during the ceremony. Pictured from left are Carmel Clay Schools Superintendent Tom Oestreich, Carmel High School principal Tim Phares, Ram and CHS athletic director Jim Inskeep. (Richie Hall)
On Thursday, Ram returned to his alma mater as a six-time Grand Slam champion, Olympic medal winner and one of the few players to rank No. 1 in the world in doubles. In a moment that brought his career full circle, Ram had the main court at the Todd Witsken Tennis Club named after him: it is now “Rajeev Ram Court.”
“It’s really cool,” said Ram. “I take a lot of pride in representing my school, my city, my state whenever I play. For them to honor it in this way, for me to have this award, it means so much.”
The ceremony took place before the Greyhounds boys tennis team’s Senior Night meet with Bishop Chatard. Ram’s family was there, along with many members of the community, including Carmel Clay school board members, city councilman Adam Aasen and Carmel Mayor Sue Finkam.
Carmel High School athletic director Jim Inskeep read a long list of Ram’s accomplishments, calling him “a household name in American professional tennis.” Before turning pro, Ram played at the University of Illinois, helping the Fighting Illini to an undefeated record and the 2003 national championship.
Ram won four Grand Slam titles in men’s doubles, all with British partner Joe Salisbury. The team won the 2020 Australian Open, then triumphed at the U.S. Open in three consecutive years, 2021-22-23. Ram teamed with Czech player Barbora Krejcikova to win two Australian mixed doubles titles, in 2019 and 2021. He was also a silver medalist twice at the Olympics, in mixed doubles with Venus Williams in 2016 and with Austin Krajicek in men’s doubles in 2024.
Overall, Ram has won 32 doubles championships since 2009. He reached the top of the ATP Tour’s doubles rankings three times, first for a five-week run in 2022. Ram then had a pair of two-week runs at No. 1 in early 2023, giving him a total of nine weeks on top.
Ram played singles until 2017. His career-high ranking was No. 56, and he twice won the Hall of Fame Tennis Championships in Newport, R.I., in 2009 and 2015.
In addition to his tennis accomplishments, Ram has given back to the Carmel community, forming the Rajeev Ram Foundation in 2010. The foundation raises money for college scholarships and tennis programs through EntouRaj for Kids.
“His foundation works to empower youth from diverse cultural and ethnic backgrounds through tennis and educational programs, fostering growth, inclusivity and lifelong opportunities,” said Inskeep.
“If I can inspire the next person to do what I did and more in any field at all, I think that’s what it’s all about,” said Ram. He also said he saw himself in the players that are on this year’s Carmel team.
“I was in their shoes,” said Ram. “It was a long time ago, but I was definitely that person and I feel like there’s just so much that all of them can do. There’s so much potential and I certainly wish them all the best.”
