Rohan Bopanna, an esteemed figure in Indian tennis, has announced his retirement after an impressive 22-year career. His retirement was marked by his final match at the Paris Masters 1000, partnering with Alexander Bublik in doubles.
Historic Achievements in Tennis
This year, Bopanna made headlines by becoming the oldest player to win a Grand Slam title and achieving the rank of World No. 1 in men’s doubles. With this accomplishment, he etched his name in the history of tennis.
Grand Slam Success and Finals
- Two Grand Slam titles:
- 2024 Australian Open Men’s Doubles (with Matthew Ebden)
- 2017 French Open Mixed Doubles (with Gabriela Dabrowski)
- Final appearances in four Grand Slam tournaments:
- Men’s Doubles: 2020 US Open (with Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi) and 2023 US Open (with Matthew Ebden)
- Mixed Doubles: 2018 Australian Open (with Timea Babos) and 2023 Australian Open (with Sania Mirza)
Highlights of His Career
Bopanna’s career spanned over two decades and included significant achievements such as a fourth-place finish at the 2016 Rio Olympics with partner Sania Mirza. Additionally, he reached the final of the ATP Finals in 2012 and 2015, competing with Mahesh Bhupathi and Florin Mergea.
A Meaningful Journey
Hailing from Coorg, India, Bopanna’s journey began with humble beginnings. He trained hard, chopping wood to build strength and jogging through coffee estates to enhance his endurance.
Impact After Retirement
Even after retiring, Bopanna remains committed to shaping the future of tennis in India. He has introduced UTR Tennis Pro to the nation and runs an academy dedicated to nurturing young talent.
Retirement Reflections
In a heartfelt social media farewell, Bopanna expressed gratitude for the role tennis played in his life. It provided him with purpose and taught him valuable lessons in perseverance and resilience. He described his journey, from training on cracked courts to competing on prestigious international stages, as surreal.
Rohan Bopanna’s legacy in tennis extends beyond his accolades. He has inspired countless aspiring players in India and continues to cultivate the sport’s growth in the country.
