Mektic/Ram Win Cincinnati Masters 1000 Title
- Cincinnati, Ohio - Nikola Mektic and Rajeev Ram etched their names into the history books on Sunday, august 18, 2025, claiming the doubles title at the Cincinnati Open.
- remarkably, this was only the third tournament Mektic and ram entered as a pairing.
- The final began with Musetti and Sonego seizing the initiative,securing the first set 4-6.
Mektic and Ram Capture Cincinnati Doubles Crown in Thrilling comeback
Table of Contents
published August 18, 2025
A Decade of Partnership Culminates in Victory
Cincinnati, Ohio – Nikola Mektic and Rajeev Ram etched their names into the history books on Sunday, august 18, 2025, claiming the doubles title at the Cincinnati Open. The Croatian-American duo overcame a slow start to defeat Italy’s Lorenzo Musetti and Lorenzo Sonego 4-6, 6-3, 10-5 in a captivating 90-minute final. This victory marks their first Masters 1000 title as a team, a testament to their growing synergy and individual brilliance.
remarkably, this was only the third tournament Mektic and ram entered as a pairing. Their journey to the championship wasn’t without its challenges, but their ability to adapt and elevate their game under pressure proved decisive. The win propels them 196 spots up the PIF ATP Live Doubles Teams Rankings to No. 25.
A Match of momentum Shifts
The final began with Musetti and Sonego seizing the initiative,securing the first set 4-6. However, Mektic and Ram demonstrated resilience, adjusting their strategy and finding their rhythm in the second set, which they won 6-3.The match culminated in a decisive super tiebreak,where Mektic and Ram’s composure and aggressive net play proved too much for their italian opponents,closing out the match with a 10-5 scoreline.
According to infosys ATP Stats, Mektic and Ram were dominant on their first serve, winning an impressive 87% (34/39) of those points. This consistent serving performance laid the foundation for their comeback and ultimately secured their victory.
Past Significance and personal Milestones
This Cincinnati Open triumph holds meaningful weight for both players. Nikola Mektic now joins an exclusive club, becoming only the third active doubles player – alongside Rohan Bopanna and Mate Pavic – to reach the finals of all nine ATP Masters 1000 events. This victory also marks his 11th Masters 1000 crown,solidifying his position as the most decorated active doubles player.
for Rajeev Ram, the win is especially special. At 41 years and 4 months old, he becomes the second-oldest men’s doubles champion in Cincinnati Open history, trailing only Daniel nestor, who won the title in 2015 with Edouard Roger-Vasselin at age 42.
A Long-Standing Partnership Pays Off
The bond between Mektic and Ram extends far beyond the court.”Tennis, right? Crazy stories. This is our third tournament together, even though we certainly know each other for three decades, problably,” mektic shared during the trophy presentation, highlighting the depth of their relationship. Ram echoed this sentiment, stating, “We have known each other a really long time…We’ve played some great matches against each other. It is so nice to have him on my side of the net.”
Italian Dreams Deferred
Lorenzo Musetti and Lorenzo Sonego entered the final with aspirations of becoming the first all-Italian pair to win a Masters 1000 title sence the series began in 1990. Musetti also had the possibility to become the youngest ATP Masters 1000 doubles champion since felix Auger-Aliassime,at 20 years old,triumphed at the 2020 Rolex Paris Masters alongside Hubert Hurkacz. Despite their valiant effort, they were ultimately unable to overcome the experienced Croatian-American duo.