Bopanna teams with Ram for ’13

Rohan Bopanna has confirmed his partnership with American Rajeev Ram for the next ATP season, the move coming in the wake of Mahesh Bhupathi-Bopanna combine deciding to part ways. While Bhupathi will be partnering Canadian Daniel Nestor, Bopanna will be seen pairing up with long-time friend Ram on the ATP circuit next year.

The duo has a combined experience of 17 years on the professional circuit. "Rohan and Rajeev had decided a few months ago to combine forces to make what they believe an extremely formidable partnership, given their complementary styles of play and strong service games," a release said. Bopanna had a successful year with Bhupathi, which included two titles at Dubai and Paris and runner-up finish at the just-concluded season-ending London Masters. He also attained his career-best ranking of eight in March this year.

"I played with Mahesh in 2012 with a special focus on preparing for the London Olympics and now that it's over, I want to concentrate on the ATP circuit and I am eager to build a strong, sustainable partnership," Bopanna said about his decision. "Rajeev is a great player and given our individual strengths, and his command of the deuce court, I believe that we can complement each other very well," he added.

The duo had earlier made an appearance as a team at the Australian Open in 2008, where as an unseeded combination they proceeded to the pre-quarters

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