Long Island’s Lipsky and Partner Ram Advance to U.S. Open Doubles Semifinals

September 2, 2014 | By New York Tennis Magazine Staff
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On an extremely hot day in Flushing Meadows, former Bellmore JFK standout Scott Lipsky and his partner, fellow American Rajeev Ram, kept their hot playing on the court going as well. Lipsky & Ram were the first match on Arthur Ashe Stadium Court today and they enjoyed every moment of their first professional match on the largest stage in U.S. tennis. When asked if, as a native New Yorker, this was his dream court to play on Lipsky said, "It definitely it would be either Ashe or Centre Court at Wimbledon. Wimbledon has so much tradition."

He added that he has been coming to the Open since he was five-years-old and had so many great memories and that this was another to add to the list. 

Lipsky & Ram were battling the team of American Eric Butorac and South African Raven Klaussen, two of their best friends on the pro tour (Butorac was a groomsman at Lipsky's wedding), but they didn't let that stand in their way as they won in straight sets, 6-3, 7-6 to advance to the Men's Doubles Semifinals. The key to the win was their serve, as Lipsky & Ram were not broken in the match.

"We controlled our service games and were able to keep the pressure on them throughout the match," said Lipsky, to which Ram added, "We want the other team to always think that if they lose one break, they will lose the set. That puts the pressure on them." 

Lipsky grew up in Merrick and spent five season playing for Bellmore JFK High School. He said that route was best for him and that "I would've quit (the sport) if I had gone to an academy full-time."

While Ram and Lipsky agreed that each case is different, they also mentioned how important it is for junior players to not have tons of pressure put on them at such a young age, and that they need to avoid burnout by developing physically and mentally before being put on too big of a stage. 

Up next for Lipsky & Ram in the semis is the winner of the match between Bob & Mike Brothers and David Marrero & Fernando Verdasco. A match with the Bryans would make for an All-American semifinal. Asked why American players seem to be having more success in doubles than in singles over the past few years, Ram jokingly said, "How long do you have for my answer? The short answer is that Americans always seem to be good at offense. Singles has become less about offense and has a lot of defense mixed in. Doubles is still an offensive game, and that is what most American players are best at." 

Financially, this tournament run has been great to the doubles team, as they have earned $124,250 (as a team) for advancing to the U.S. Open semis. A trip to the finals would double that number, but of equal importance would also put the duo one step close to the Men's Doubles Championship in Flushing Meadows.


New York Tennis Magazine Staff
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