Image Source : olympics.com
In a thrilling display of synergy and precision, Indian tennis stars Ramkumar Ramanathan and Anirudh Chandrasekar captured the men’s doubles crown at the Lexington Open 2025 ATP Challenger tournament in Kentucky, USA. The second-seeded pair defeated the Chinese Taipei team of Yu Hsiou Hsu and Ray Ho Huang in straight sets, 6-4, 6-4, in a final that lasted just over an hour. Their victory on August 3, 2025, marks a significant milestone in Indian tennis, showcasing the growing prowess of the country’s doubles talent on the global stage.
Key Highlights from the Final
The Indian pair won in straight sets: 6-4, 6-4.
The match lasted 1 hour and 8 minutes.
Ramanathan and Chandrasekar served five aces and broke their opponents’ serve in each set.
This win marks Ramanathan’s 11th ATP Challenger doubles title and Chandrasekar’s 8th.
Match Breakdown and Performance
Dominant Serving Game Ramanathan and Chandrasekar maintained a flawless service rhythm throughout the match, holding all their service games and applying pressure with five aces.
Strategic Breaks The duo managed to break the Chinese Taipei team once in each set, which proved decisive in sealing the match.
Composure Under Pressure Despite the high stakes, the Indian pair remained composed, executing clean volleys and sharp returns to keep their opponents on the defensive.
Career Milestones and Past Rivalry
Ramanathan, a seasoned player with two ATP 250 titles alongside Rohan Bopanna, also holds a silver medal from the 2023 Asian Games in Hangzhou.
Earlier this year, Ramanathan and Chandrasekar faced off in the Bengaluru Open semi-finals, where Anirudh, paired with Ray Ho, defeated Ramanathan’s team in a nail-biting 10-point tiebreak.
Their reunion in Kentucky proved fruitful, as they turned past rivalry into a winning partnership.
Tournament Journey
The Indian pair began their campaign with a commanding 6-3, 6-2 win over Colombia’s Nicolas Mejia and Cristian Rodriguez.
In the quarterfinals, they overcame American wildcards Zachary Fuchs and Wally Thayne 7-6(5), 6-3.
Their toughest test came in the semi-finals against Pranav Kumar (USA) and Kody Pearson (Australia), where they prevailed 7-6(3), 4-6, 10-3 in a super tiebreak.
Significance for Indian Tennis
This victory reinforces India’s growing strength in doubles tennis, especially in ATP Challenger events.
It highlights the depth of talent beyond the top-tier ATP circuit, with players like Chandrasekar making consistent strides.
The win also boosts India’s visibility in international tennis, encouraging more participation and investment in the sport.
What’s Next for the Champions
Ranking Boost The win is expected to improve both players’ ATP doubles rankings, potentially opening doors to ATP 250 and Grand Slam qualifying events.
Upcoming Tournaments Ramanathan and Chandrasekar are likely to continue their partnership in upcoming Challenger events across North America and Europe.
National Representation While Ramanathan was recently dropped from India’s Davis Cup squad due to form concerns, this victory could reignite his prospects for national selection.
Conclusion
Ramkumar Ramanathan and Anirudh Chandrasekar’s triumph at the Lexington Open 2025 is more than just a tournament win—it’s a testament to resilience, teamwork, and the rising stature of Indian tennis on the global doubles circuit. Their performance in Kentucky sets a high bar for future Indian pairings and adds another proud chapter to the country’s sporting narrative.
Source: The Tribune India – August 3, 2025
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