Taylor Fritz defends Team USA’s decision of shockingly benching doubles specialist Rajeev Ram from the US Davis Cup team
Follow Us
Taylor Fritz and Rajeev Ram
Taylor Fritz is having a dream season. He won 3 ATP singles titles this year. He also played in his maiden ATP Finals tournament this year, losing to eventual winner Novak Djokovic in the semi-finals. He also achieved his career’s highest ranking i.e., the World No.8.
Now, all he wants is to win the Davis Cup for his country. He is included in the quartet of players who will be representing Team USA and will play the Davis Cup Finals in Malaga, Spain. His team members include Tommy Paul, Jack Sock, and Frances Tiafoe. Mardy Fish is the captain of the team.
But before the Team USA can start their campaign in Davis Cup Finals, a controversy has surfaced. Rajeev Ram, the American doubles specialist has been excluded from the team. In his place, Tommy Paul was included.
This decision did not go down well with Rajeev Ram and his supporters and fans. He expressed his disappointment after winning the ATP Finals 2022 doubles title with his British partner Joe Salisbury.
Meanwhile, A social media user accused the players of budging the USTA and Team Captain Mardy Fish on the decision to exclude Rajeev Ram. To this World No.8, Taylor Fritz gave a reply.
My guy don’t call us out for our “egos” like u know how the team was picked if ur gonna personally insult us and proceed to skate around it with no further explanation. Btw if Raj wanted to celebrate our team qualifying/winning at any point we would all be PUMPED to have him.
— Taylor Fritz (@Taylor_Fritz97) November 25, 2022
“My guy don’t call us out for our “egos” like u know how the team was picked if ur gonna personally insult us and proceed to skate around it with no further explanation. Btw if Raj wanted to celebrate our team qualifying/winning at any point we would all be PUMPED to have him,” his caption read.
Team USA with their performance in the Davis Cup has to prove to the world that excluding Rajeev Ram from the team was a wise move. However, till then speculations of a tiff between the players will be ripe.
Also Read: Draw for the star-packed Abu Dhabi Exhibition event is out
Social Media cannot understand Rajeev Ram’s exclusion from Team USA
Rajeev Ram is one of the most successful players in doubles. He with his British partner Joe Salisbury has won three major titles. They also won their maiden ATP Finals doubles title this year. He also won the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics mixed doubles event silver medal with Venus Williams.
He was part of Team USA during the Qualifier stage and the Group stage. He partnered with Jack Sock to win against Juan Sebastian Cabal and Nicolas Barrientos 6-3,6-4. In the Group stage matches, The pair defeated Great Britain’s Joe Salisbury and Andy Murray 5-7, 6-4, 7-5. Also, they beat the Netherlands’ pair of Matwe Middelkoop and Wesley Koolhof 4-6, 7-6(3), 6-4.
Hence, the sudden exclusion of Rajeev Ram is not going down well with social media users. Many also gave reactions to the post above. Here are a few reactions.
Why wasn't he picked then? Teams are eligible to have 5 players and you guys only took 4, and left home one of the best doubles players in the world. Beyond bizarre.
— Christopher (@mountieman323) November 25, 2022
It wasn’t egos – it was him not being part of the bro squad. He wasn’t in the clique. First they lose and now they’re dogging Ram for not being excited enough for them ???
— Pro Tennis Takes (@popoftennis) November 25, 2022
Not having the #1 bc he wasn’t happy enough for you? Actually that does sound like ego…
How’s the coach still in his job man? I don’t see the point about egos but the team selection is beyond ridiculous.
— Aviman Satpathy (@SatpathyAviman) November 25, 2022
A huge fan of yours Taylor, but this reply doesn't help lol. So Raj was left out of the team because he wanted to be in bed early and skip the late night celebrations? The dude is 38 years old. Outside of the court he has other priorities. Doesn't mean he can't do the job.
— Newday (@Alliswelliswell) November 25, 2022
You would have been pumped to have him? Then why didn't the team have him? Ram made it clear he was ready and available to play. Someone own this decision. To the outside world, taking 4 when allowed 5 while excluding Ram looks like the dumbest move ever.
— Steve Suresh (@steveksuresh) November 25, 2022
A roster can have 5 players. This could have included Ram. To go with a 4 man roster that excludes arguably the best doubles player in the world is peak stupidity by whoever made that call or influenced it especially since it came down to the doubles point. It's inexcusable.
— Steve Suresh (@steveksuresh) November 25, 2022
It is most likely that now Frances Tiafoe will pair up with Jack Sock for their doubles matches in the Davis Cup Finals. The pair shot to fame when they beat the pair of Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer in the 2022 Laver Cup in London. This was also the last professional match of the Swiss legend.
Also Read: German tennis federation offers Boris Becker to “pick his job” upon serving his prison sentence
Stay Updated!
FS Desk
(8024 Articles Published)