Indian Tennis Veteran Rohan Bopanna Ends Illustrious Career

Post by : Mara Rahim

Rohan Bopanna, one of India’s greatest tennis players, has officially retired from professional tennis at the age of 45. His decision brings an end to a brilliant journey that lasted over two decades. In an emotional post on social media, Bopanna wrote that it was time to put down his racket after a lifetime of unforgettable memories.

Over the years, Bopanna earned his place among tennis legends. He won two Grand Slam titles and became the oldest men’s doubles world number one in tennis history. His 2024 season marked a high point when he won the Australian Open doubles title with Matthew Ebden, making him the oldest Grand Slam winner in the Open Era.

Bopanna continued to break records even in his forties. He became the oldest ATP Masters 1000 champion after winning the Miami Open doubles title, again with Ebden. These achievements highlighted his extraordinary fitness, skill, and dedication to the sport even after many years of competition.

Throughout his long career, Bopanna won 26 men’s doubles titles. His powerful serve and calm approach on court made him one of the most respected doubles players worldwide. His success in mixed doubles was equally notable, winning the 2017 French Open title alongside Canadian Gabriela Dabrowski.

Bopanna was a proud Indian athlete who represented the nation at multiple international tournaments, including the Olympics, Asian Games, and Davis Cup. He won the men’s doubles gold at the 2018 Asian Games in Jakarta and another gold in mixed doubles at the 2022 edition in Hangzhou, bringing great joy to Indian sports fans.

Hailing from Coorg in Karnataka, known for its coffee plantations, Bopanna’s rise from a small-town athlete to an international tennis star is a story of determination and hard work. He often credited his family and early coaches for shaping his career.

Bopanna’s final professional match came at the Paris Masters, where he and Alexander Bublik lost in a close contest to John Peers and James Tracy. While the result marked the end of his active career, his legacy as an inspiring, record-breaking athlete will continue to motivate generations of Indian players.