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The past year has been tough: Rajeev Ram

Kunal Diwan

— Photo: R. Ragu

New hopes:Rajeev Ram will be hoping that the Chennai Open will be an ideal launch pad for the new season.

CHENNAI: Rajeev Ram cuts the figure of a contemplative college professor stress-busting on the tennis court, before a thundering first serve delivery leaves one in no doubt about his vocation.

The 2009 Chennai Open doubles winner (in partnership with fellow American Eric Butorac), Ram is in the city for what he hopes will be an ideal launch pad for the new season.

Injuries

Missing out on critical phases of 2010 due to injuries, the 26-year-old wants the coming year to be kinder on his 6'4” frame, although the bodily harm endured, he supposes, might have been of his own creation.

“The year past was a tough one. I hurt myself, my ranking fell several places. I guess I overdid my training.

“The worst part was that the injuries (Achilles tendon and back) came during the grass court season, which is my main focus.

“But I'm healthy now. I've had a good off season and I'm looking forward to the doubles and the singles qualifiers here … hopefully I'll get some decent matches and make the main draw,” he says.

In Chennai, Ram will partner compatriot Scott Lipsky, in whose company he won the Atlanta championship in July — his fourth doubles title and first with Lipsky.

Heading out to practice on Wednesday, coach Stephen Amritraj in tow, Ram revealed the nigh impossibility of getting into the American Davis Cup team, when the doubles department was in the safe hands of the Bryan brothers.

He also admitted that the thought of representing the country of his origin had crossed his mind.

“It's tough breaking into the U.S. squad because the guys in it deserve their spots.

“Playing for India has certainly been a thought in my mind, but my parents are American citizens now and the passport issues are complicated. Though I enjoy interacting with the Indian team and am friends with all the guys.”

Ranking

On the back of his maiden title win in Newport, 2009, Ram's singles ranking soared to a career-high 78. Following that, his individual game appears to have taken a back seat (he is currently ranked No. 184). Ram, however, points out that any shift in priority has been injury induced.

“Both my rankings (singles and doubles) took a beating due to fitness issues. The game has become so physical and the stakes so high that players don't want to risk injury. To be honest with you, it's a smart thing to focus on just one.”

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