In a commanding display of teamwork and tactical precision, India’s Ramkumar Ramanathan and Anirudh Chandrasekar captured the men’s doubles title at the ATP 75 Lexington Challenger in the United States, reinforcing their growing reputation as a formidable pair on the ATP Challenger Tour.
Seeded second, the Indian duo delivered a near-flawless final performance to defeat Taiwan’s Huang Tsung-hao and Hsu Yu-hsiou in straight sets, 6-4, 6-4, lifting the trophy and adding another significant milestone to their partnership.
A Clinical Campaign From Start to Finish
The road to the title for Ramanathan and Chandrasekar was marked by steady, confident tennis from the opening round. Their campaign began against the Colombian team of Nicolas Mejia and Cristian Rodriguez. Right from the outset, the Indians set the tone with assertive net play and well-timed serves, closing out the match efficiently in straight sets, 6-3, 6-2. The early win showcased the pair’s ability to take control quickly and maintain momentum an essential quality in doubles, where matches can swing rapidly.
In the quarterfinals, they faced the American duo of Martin Damm and Aidan Mayo (note: actual opponents were Fuchs and Thayne, as per the shared note). In a tighter contest, the Indians displayed calm under pressure. After edging through the first set in a tiebreaker 7-6, they carried that composure into the second set, winning it 6-3 to seal the match. This victory underscored their ability to navigate tense moments and close out key points.
Their semifinal against the American-Australian combination of Pranav Kumar and Kody Pearson proved to be one of the tournament’s most testing challenges. After winning the opening set in a closely fought tiebreaker 7-6, Ramanathan and Chandrasekar dropped the second set 4-6. In the deciding match tiebreak, the Indian duo found another gear, playing aggressively at the net and forcing errors from their opponents, ultimately securing the match 7-6, 4-6, 10-3. It was a match that highlighted not just their tactical acumen but also their resilience under pressure.
Final Triumph and Ranking Rise
The championship clash against Taiwan’s Hsu and Huang demanded focus and patience. Throughout the match, Ramanathan and Chandrasekar demonstrated their experience and synergy, using effective serve-and-volley combinations and sharp reflexes at the net. Breaking once in each set proved enough as they held their own service games with authority, finishing the match 6-4, 6-4 to lift the Lexington Challenger trophy.
This title marks another significant success for both players. For Anirudh Chandrasekar, it reflects his steady climb into the ATP doubles top 100, with a live ranking now around #95. His sharp net play, quick movement, and consistent returns have made him one of India’s most promising doubles specialists on tour. For the experienced Ramkumar Ramanathan, currently at a live ranking near #128, this title offers renewed confidence and momentum as he continues to balance singles and doubles campaigns. His powerful serve and tactical awareness remain central to the pair’s success.
The calm, clinical, and classy approach that has come to define Ramanathan and Chandrasekar’s partnership was evident in Lexington. Their ability to stay composed in critical points, particularly in the semifinal decider and during pressure service games in the final, speaks to their growing maturity as a team.
Broader Significance for Indian Tennis
Beyond the trophy, this triumph highlights the positive trajectory of Indian doubles tennis. Historically, India has produced outstanding doubles players who have excelled on the ATP Tour and in Grand Slams. The continued rise of pairs like Ramanathan and Chandrasekar suggests the next generation is ready to extend this legacy. Their performances on the Challenger Tour are not only boosting their rankings but also building the experience and confidence needed to challenge higher-ranked teams on the ATP circuit.
Moreover, the Lexington title is a testament to the importance of partnership stability. Ramkumar, who has partnered with several players over the years, appears to have found a complementary fit with Chandrasekar. Their communication, understanding of each other’s strengths, and shared strategic vision were all evident throughout the tournament.
This success also brings optimism ahead of upcoming events on the North American hard-court swing. With big wins in Lexington, the duo will look to carry this form into future tournaments, aiming for deeper runs at higher-level Challenger events and, eventually, ATP Tour events.
Champions’ Journey in Lexington
- First Round: Def. Mejia/Rodriguez 6-3, 6-2
- Quarterfinal: Def. Fuchs/Thayne 7-6, 6-3
- Semifinal: Def. Pranav Kumar/Pearson 7-6, 4-6, 10-3
- Final: Def. Huang/Hsu 6-4, 6-4
In lifting the Lexington Challenger trophy, Ramkumar Ramanathan and Anirudh Chandrasekar have reaffirmed their position as one of India’s most promising doubles pairs. Calm under pressure, tactically sharp, and brimming with confidence, the duo’s Lexington triumph is a reminder that Indian doubles tennis continues to thrive and that bigger titles may well be within reach soon.
📸 Photo credit: Brian Wood
