Former Illinois All-American Rajeev Ram could not convert in his quest to win back-to-back doubles titles at the 2005 United States Tennis Association Challenger of Champaign-Urbana.

Ram and partner Justin Gimelstob lost to the tournament’s No.1-seeded team of Ashley Fisher and Tripp Phillips. Fisher and Phillips topped their opponents 6-3, 5-7, 6-0.

“We just tried to fight really hard and win some of the big points,” Phillips said. “Luckily, we came out on top.”

Ram was pleased to reach the doubles final for the third straight year but disappointed he could not repeat as the doubles champion.

He said his chances of returning in 2006 to make another run at the doubles title are unlikely. Instead, he expects to move up in the world rankings and qualify for more top-tier tennis events. He would like to return to the tournament next year as a spectator to cheer for other former or current Illinois tennis players and not be a participant.

“Hopefully I will have moved on to bigger and better tournaments,” Ram said. “Well, bigger, not better, because there is no such thing.”

The USTA echoed Ram’s sentiment about the success of the tournament when USTA representative Mike Loo presented tournament director Jim Tressler a plaque commemorating the tournament’s ten-year anniversary. The challenger is one of the longest running in the country.

Tressler, who took over direction of the challenger this year, said he is not only pleased with the tournament’s success in the past but also pleased with what the future holds for the tournament because of the efforts of numerous volunteers who contribute to the event.

“It’s unbelievable how many people are willing to step up and spend a lot of extra hours that they probably don’t have in their life, but they’re willing to do it for the sake of the tournament,” Tressler said.

Although his role in the tournament was different this year, Tressler said, his favorite aspects of the tournament have not changed.

He still enjoys watching the former Illini compete and have success at the event. He also enjoys watching current Illinois tennis players test their skills while competing as amateurs and practicing with some of the best up-and-coming players.

Throughout the week, current Illinois tennis players were able to get a glimpse into what their lives could be like in a few years, if they decide to pursue a professional tennis career, which many do.

“It’s hard for these guys to believe, sometimes, that they really can be professionals,” Illinois head coach Brad Dancer said. “Having all of the (former Illini) back here creates that belief system that they can do it.”