WATCH: Rajeev Ram, college stars double up to fight COVID-19

Thousands of miles away from Novak Djokovic's Adria Tour in Europe, a cohort of U.S.-based pro and college players squared off in Indianapolis.

It began with a doubles exhibition among 2020 Australian Open doubles champion Rajeev Ram and three of his fellow Indiana high-school singles title winners. It continued with a 64-player singles draw in the first-ever Cracked Racquets Open, put on by its founder, Dalton Thieneman.

Cracked Racquets, headquartered in Indy, envisioned the event as one to fight the COVID-19 pandemic in its own way—by bringing together the tennis community in the city.

Dubbed the Crossroads of America, Hoosier hospitality was on display for decades in Indy, on clay and then hard courts, before the erstwhile RCA Championships, an ATP Tour stop, shuttered after its 2009 event.

In the CR Open, billed as an inaugural event, prize money enticed players from NCAA powerhouses such as the University of Michigan, the University of Georgia, Indiana University, Northwestern University and others. Rallying for a crucial cause also compelled them, and dozens of live-match viewers to take part at the city's Tarkington Park.

In the doubles exhibition to kick-start the competition, Ram and Patrick Fletchall (now an IU junior) squared off against Ronnie Schneider (former UNC star and ATP player) and Presley Thieneman (committed to play for Northwestern). Those four have won a combined eight high school singles titles in Indiana (IHSAA) play.

The tall-tree tandem of Ram and Fletchall took the pro-set exo by an 8-5 score. Ram and Schneider also got in their licks via microphoned comments.

Proceeds from the event are to benefit nonprofit organization Frontline Foods, dedicated to providing restaurant-grade meals to frontline health care workers and their families as they also combat the COVID-19 crisis. The event also drew attention to the needs and offerings of Riley Children's Hospital; the National Junior Tennis League of Indianapolis; and Ram's own eponymous nonprofit, EntouRaj for Kids.

"We were so humbled to have so many players, parents, and tournament guests approach us throughout the weekend and ask how they can contribute to each cause, once again showing off just how exceptional the tennis community can be," Thieneman said.

"It was great to do a small part in trying to help the local community during a difficult time," Ram told Baseline. "It’s a great feeling whenever I get a chance to play in my hometown, so I was thrilled to be able to do that."

"For so many high-level tennis players, the game serves not just as a hobby, but often the outlet that provides structure to their daily lives," Thieneman said. "When the USTA announced they were furthering the suspension of events until August 1, we felt compelled to step up and try to provide an opportunity for players to get back out on the court and compete in a safe environment, while following Marion County Health guidelines."

Cracked Racquets committed ahead of the event to matching all donations made through its website over the course of the CR Open event.

"The clinching factor for [hosting the event in Indy] was receiving the opportunity to showcase Indiana tennis greats—yes, that’s a thing!" Thieneman said.

Game. Set. Matched.

Full disclosure: The author serves on the EntouRaj board of directors.

Check out Ram's episode of the TENNIS.com Podcast:

Subscribe: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-tennis-com-podcast/id339875623 | https://open.spotify.com/show/2ihq5SJ8N72EsloO9XunbW