Divij Sharan becomes the number one doubles player in India

Left-handed Divij Sharan, who is partnering Artem Sitak on the doubles court, has become the number one doubles player in the country beating veterans like Rohan Bopanna and Leander Paes to the spot. The change took place after Sharan moved up the ATP ranking ladder to 38 and Rohan Bopanna losing nine places and dropping to 39th position. 

“It feels pretty amazing to have become the highest ranked player in India today. It’s not easy by any means with Mahesh, Leander and Rohan having dominated the doubles circuit for the last couple of decades but they have carved the path and set the trend for the rest of us,” the 32-year-old Sharan said, reported PTI.

Sharan has won one Challenger this season and reached the Wimbledon quarter-finals. He also reached the semifinal stage of various ATP 250 tournaments this year and he felt that overall it was a good year for him.

“We have had as many as seven players from India ranked in the top 100 this year which is impressive. Personally, it’s been another positive year for me where I was able to achieve my best ranking of 36 and win a gold medal for India at the Asian Games,” he said.

“I am really happy that all the work I have put in is paying off and the milestone of being the highest ranked player in the country is something I can cherish with my family and the people who have helped me with my career. I am still looking to work hard on my game and achieve even more next year,” he added.

Other notable Indian players in the ATP rankings was Leander Paes, who at the 60th position, is still going strong at the age of 45 and Jeevan Nedunchezhiyan who moved up the ladder to his career-best 72nd place.