JMN: Levine and Ram
Wimbledon 2013 marked a historic victory for Britain – Andy Murray’s win was the first for the country in 77 years. The tournament was also a victory of sorts for Members of the Tribe, as Jewish competitors Andy Ram and Jesse Levine made impressive showings of their own.
Israel’s Ram qualified for his 11th Wimbledon, this time in Mixed Doubles with partner Abigail Spears. He was the last Israeli player standing in the tournament before losing in a close match against the 11th-seeded mixed pair.
Meanwhile, Levine represented Canada in two categories. In what was the 25-year-old’s fourth Wimbledon, he and partner Vasek Pospipil made it into the third round of the Gentlemen’s Doubles before losing to Mahesh Bhupathi and Julian Knowle; he also made it to the second round in Singles before bowing out to Juan Martin del Potro.
Ram, born in Uruguay, was the first Israeli tennis player to win a seniors Grand Slam event (Mixed Doubles at Wimbledon in 2006). He began playing tennis at the age of 5, shortly after his family moved to Jerusalem, and he and his Men’s Doubles partner Jonathan Erlich represented Israel in both the 2004 and 2008 Olympics.
Levine’s strong performance comes not long after the announcement that he would be joining Canada’s Davis Cup team to participate in the international men’s tournament, making him the first Jewish player to represent Canada in the Cup since 1988. An Ontario native, he’s the son of Nathan Levine, a former tennis player for Pennsylvania State University; attended the Ottawa Jewish Community School, where he learned to read and write Hebrew; keeps kosher; and wears a Star of David when competing.
— Compiled By Elizabeth Friedly
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