Rajeev Ram ON Being #1 In The World, Life On The ATP Tour & Playing With Venus Williams

In the latest episode of The Victory Degree, Nik sits down with the former #1 doubles tennis player in the world: Rajeev Ram. Rajeev's resume is impressive: 6 time major champion, 3 straight US Open titles, and doubles silver with Venus Williams at the 2016 Summer Olympics. But even more impressive was the advice he shared on how to live a happier and more fulfilled life. The conversation spans multiple topics including: how to maximize longevity, life lessons from tennis, and an exclusive Venus Williams story.

Please enjoy!

TIMESTAMPS:

(0:00) Rajeev's background and introduction 

(1:18) What are you most proud of?

(2:02) Where and how did your love for tennis begin?

(3:29) What role should parents play in a young athlete's life?

(5:30) The moment Rajeev realized he could make money playing tennis

(6:47) The benefits and drawbacks of a coach

(10:03) Why Rajeev made the decision to focus solely on doubles tennis

(11:51) Brown Sampras

(13:22) How Rajeev wants people to remember him

(14:34) Where Rajeev's habit of continuous self-improvement stems from

(17:53) How to handle self-doubt and build self-confidence

(20:41) How to stay motivated and more present in key moments

(25:04) The attention to detail required to win at the highest level

(28:12) How to develop mental strength and the constant battle with our own thoughts

(30:12) How Rajeev deals with negativity during a tennis match

(33:23) Rajeev's greatest source of pressure

(34:17) Playing with Venus Williams

(39:18) The relationships between players on tour

(40:56) Life as a public figure

(42:13) Highest and lowest moments in Rajeev's career

(43:57) How Rajeev has managed to stay on top of his game at the age of 39 - a discussion on longevity 

(47:14) Rajeev's solution to get American tennis back on top

(49:18) The art of sacrifice and is it required?

(51:03) Life lessons from tennis

(51:58) Rajeev's plans after tennis and the Rajeev Ram Foundation

(53:31) Rajeev's routine during the tennis offseason

(54:46) Rajeev's life advice

Connect with Rajeev:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/RajeevRam

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rajeevram318/

Rajeev Ram Foundation: https://rajeevramfoundation.org/

Connect with Nik:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nikatanackovic/ 

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Nik_Atanackovic