Ram had previously expressed his disappointment when asked about being snubbed for selection at the Nitto ATP Finals, a tournament he and Joe Salisbury would go on to win to cap another successful year that brought a third major team title at the US Open.
“I put in a lot of hard work this year to help the team get there. I felt like I had earned the spot, if you will. So I was quite surprised when I wasn't picked, and even more surprised to be honest that they only went with four players instead of five. That was the choice,” Ram said in Turin.
Captain Mardy Fish elected to omit Ram, who helped clinch their place in September, and leave the fifth roster spot unfilled. Fish told Jon Wertheim going into the event, “I love Raj and his DC career with me isn’t over.…But this time, Jack will be playing with Frances or Tommy or Taylor. As DC Captain, it’s my job to listen to the players as well. Ultimately, it’s my choice and I make the calls, but I do listen to their thoughts and ideas.”
When he spoke at his pre-event Davis Cup press conference, Fish added, “I want to put a different doubles team on the court, period.”