Israeli history in London: Granted Shahar Pe'er, Ana Smashnova and Dudi Sela won Grand Slam titles in the youth division, but Andy Ram is the first Israeli to win a professional title at one of the Grand Slam Tournaments (the Australian Open, the Roland Garros, Wimbledon and the US Open).
The Israeli, who three years ago made it to the Wimbledon finals (with partner Anastasia Rodionova), took it one step further this Saturday night and won one of the most coveted tennis titles in the world. Along with his partner, Russian Vera Zvonareva, he beat Americans Bob Bryan and Venus Williams 6:3, 6:2.
Ram and Zvonareva at Wimbledon (Photo: AP)
Saturday afternoon, Ram and Zvonareva beat sibling-team Wayne and Kara Black in the semi-finals, and were forced to return to the court for the final game after only a few hours' rest, because of the crowded game schedule caused by rains. Ram and Zvonareva showed no fatigue and didn't give their American rivals a chance, trampling their way to victory in only two sets.
Andy Ram, who, with the help of partner Yoni Erlich, proved this year to be a world-ranked doubles player, recently illustrated that he could shine in mixed doubles, as well.
Ram was the leading player of the pair and his great net game, with excellent instincts and volleys, as well as outstanding play from the baseline, was too much for both Williams, one of the foremost female tennis players, and for Bryan, who along with his brother Mike is considered one of the best doubles players in the world and had won the men's doubles only a few hours prior.