Andy Ram believes that Israel’s top players are more concerned about Davis Cup glory than doing well at the grand slam events.
Ram and Eric Butorac tumbled out of the Men’s Doubles at Wimbledon in the first round, going down against Alexander Peya and Bruno Soares.
"I never like losing," said Ram, "but the Davis Cup and Olympics are the biggest things in my career. One of my goals is to help Israel stay in the World Group of the Davis Cup."
Ram has been on the road to recovery since undergoing hip surgery after the 2012 London Olympics and he hopes to play some matches with compatriot Jonathan Erlich before Israel’s next Davis Cup match against Belgium in September.
"I’m still trying to find my way around the court," he said. "I’m just happy to be back after nine months out. I’ve been back in action for six weeks and am trying to get my confidence back and win some games. It’s a long process and I’m not getting any younger.
"I will keep playing for as long as I enjoy it and try to maintain ranking on the tour. I still love the adrenalin rush and emotion of matches and will continue for as long as I can.
"But I miss my wife and kids and want to go back to Israel and have a great summer. When I eventually decide to stop playing, I’m sure I will stay involved as I want to give something back to the sport I’ve been playing since I was five."
Ram, who is 33 and lives in Tel Aviv, was hoping to be involved in the Mixed Doubles competition, playing alongside American Abigail Spears.
Although there was Israeli representation in the Doubles events, the tournament at SW19 was the first grand slam since the Australian Open in 1998 without an Israeli in the singles competition.
Ram said: "Israeli tennis is at a low point. After 10 years of Jonathan and I being in the top 100, we’ve had a gap for a few years. I don’t have the answer but we have some good juniors coming through, especially in the under-14 and under-16 category."
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