After saving two match points in a thrilling opening-round comeback, veteran Grand Slam champions Rajeev Ram and Matthew Ebden saw their 2026 Australian Open campaign end in the Round of 32 with a 3-6, 3-6 defeat to Dutch duo Tallon Griekspoor and Botic van de Zandschulp.
Rajeev Ram · Australian Open 2026 Men’s Doubles
Round 2 Run · Courtside Gallery| Round | Match | Score | Result | Match Breakdown |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| R1 | Rajeev Ram (USA) / Matthew Ebden (AUS) d. Juncheng Shang (CHN) / Zhizhen Zhang (CHN) | 3-6, 7-6(6), 6-2 | WON | Saved 2 match points at 4-6 in 2nd-set tiebreak |
| R2 | Rajeev Ram (USA) / Matthew Ebden (AUS) l. Tallon Griekspoor (NED) / Botic van de Zandschulp (NED) | 3-6, 3-6 | LOST | Exited in straight sets in Round of 32 |
Rajeev Ram and Matt Ebden’s Australian Open campaign came to an end in the Round of 32, falling 3-6, 3-6 to Dutch duo Tallon Griekspoor and Botic van de Zandschulp.
The American-Australian pair had fought hard to reach this stage, rallying from a set down in the opening round to defeat Chinese pair Juncheng Shang and Zhizhen Zhang 3-6, 7-6(6), 6-2. That comeback win highlighted Ram’s experience and Ebden’s composure—qualities that have made them both Grand Slam champions.
But against Griekspoor and van de Zandschulp, the momentum never arrived. The Dutch pair were sharp from the start, holding serve comfortably and breaking at key moments in both sets. Ram and Ebden couldn’t generate enough pressure to take it to a decider.
Ram, a four-time Grand Slam doubles champion, has been competing at the highest level for years. At 41, he’s still one of the most reliable players on tour. Ebden, the reigning Olympic gold medalist in doubles and a former world No. 1, brings his own elite credentials. Together, they form a formidable partnership.
But the Round of 32 brought a reality check. Griekspoor and van de Zandschulp were the better team on the day, playing disciplined, aggressive tennis. They held serve with ease, broke at crucial moments, and never let Ram and Ebden settle into any rhythm, advancing with a 6-3, 6-3 win.
