Austin Krajicek is loving life as a major champion and the new No. 1 in the Pepperstone ATP Doubles Rankings. The American, who celebrated his 33rd birthday on Friday, won his first Grand Slam title at Roland Garros on Saturday, teaming with Ivan Dodig for his 10th tour-level crown.

Returning home to the United States as World No. 1 for the first time, the American had the honour of throwing out the ceremonial first pitch on Wednesday at a Texas Rangers baseball game. Though he plays tennis lefty, Krajicek threw with his right hand as he donned the home team’s jersey and fired a strike over the plate.

First-base coach and former professional player Corey Ragsdale caught the pitch and delivered the ball back to Krajicek as the two shared an embrace on the field. It proved to be an auspicious start for the home team, with the Rangers going on to defeat the visiting Los Angeles Angels 6-3.

A former NCAA doubles champion at Texas A&M, Krajicek was born in Tampa, Florida, but now lives in Allen, Texas, about an hour’s drive from the Rangers’ ballpark.