Rohan Bopanna became the oldest man to World No. 1 spot in men’s doubles, and he followed it up with a momentous Australian Open crown in a dream fortnight in Melbourne. Age is just a number, they say. For Bopanna, 43 is not his age, but the level at which he has been playing the sport.
Rohan Bopanna’s perseverance paid off when he and his Australian partner Mathew Ebden won the men’s doubles doubles at the season’s first Grand Slam tournament. It was a landmark moment for Indian tennis as the 43-year-old became only the second Indian after Leander Paes in 2012 to win the crown at Melbourne Park.
“It’s not feeling on top of the world. I am on top of the world, being ranked number one. So definitely, you know, there’s nothing better than being at level 43 and number one,” a thrilled Rohan Bopanna told India Today in an exclusive conversation.
“Growing up as a tennis player, you just want to try and be the best tennis player in your neighbourhood, Then it probably starts… you want to be the best player in your state, then in your country. Then, of course, you want to go on and become No. 1in the world. . I am proud to be here,” he added.
Bopanna said he was touched by the heart-warming reception that he got from not just the Indian fans, but from across the world.
Bopanna became the oldest man to win a Grand Slam crown in the Open Era and it certainly is set to serve as an inspiration for many. From Rafael Nadal to Sumit Nagal, the tennis world showered praise on Bopanna for his sensational triumph in Melbourne.
Bopanna loved the Amul tribute too.
“Yesterday when I landed at the airport, there was a fantastic reception from the airport staff. And then from my family friends, and everyone who had come to the airport to receive me. Otherwise, it is always ‘Quietly come, and you know, and take your car and go back home’. This was a full-fledged welcome. It was special and very emotional to have so much love. I am really thankful for all the support, you know from across the world, not only in India,” Bopanna said.
Nothing has come easy for Rohan Bopanna in his storied tennis career. The Coorg star won his first major when he partnered with Gabriella Dabrowski at the French Open where the pair won the mixed doubles crown. Expectations shot up after his performances on the red dirt that year, but the men’s doubles crown kept eluding him.
Bopanna admitted that he had thought of quitting the sport several times in the past. Even during the heart-warming victory speech in Melbourne, Bopanna had mentioned how he had texted his wife in 2021 about hanging up his boots.
“In some way or the other. I am happy that I continued. To have achieved everything and been part of this journey, I think it’s incredible. And I’m proud to have achieved this Grand Slam triumph,” Bopanna said.
BOPANNA AND EBDEN DREAM PAIR
In 2022, Rohan Bopanna had multiple partners, including Matwe Middlekoop, Edouard Roger-Vasselin, Jamie Murray, and Denis Shapovalov. He finished the year with a win-loss ratio of 45-25.
However, his partnership with Mathew Ebden certainly added a new lease of life to his hunger to win major trophies. Bopanna and Ebden joined hands at the Australian Open, but the pair suffered a first-round exit. It all changed when the pair won the ATP 250 title in Doha in February. They won the prestigious Indian Wells Masters in March in the United States. On clay, Rohan Bopanna and Mathew Eden reached the Madrid Masters final and on grass, reached the Wimbledon semi-final.
Bopanna became the oldest Grand Slam men’s doubles finalist in the US Open, along with Mathew Ebden.
