In a remarkable feat, 43-year-old Rohan Bopanna etched his name in the annals of tennis history as the oldest male player in the Open era to secure a grand slam title. The Indian tennis stalwart, partnering with Australia’s Matthew Ebden, clinched victory in the Australian Open men’s doubles tournament on Saturday.
Bopanna and Ebden exhibited a stellar performance, sealing a 7-6(0) 7-5 triumph over Italians Simone Bolelli and Andrea Vavassori. Their dominant showing included a flawless serving display, as they did not face a single break point throughout the match.
The historic win left Bopanna elated, describing it as the pinnacle of his career. “Without a doubt the best moment in my career. I had thoughts of quitting and stopping, but to just persevere and enjoy what I was doing, I think, was the best thing I told myself,” Said Bopanna.
The victory marked the first time the pair secured a trophy together, having previously tasted individual success in grand slam events. Bopanna won the 2017 French Open mixed doubles, while Ebden claimed titles in the 2013 Australian Open mixed doubles and the 2022 Wimbledon men’s doubles.
Bopanna’s triumph was not without challenges, as last year’s US Open final ended in defeat for the duo. Remarkably, his 61 attempts at winning a men’s doubles grand slam title before this victory set a new Open era record. Moreover, the seasoned player is poised to become the world’s oldest No. 1 tennis player in history after this tournament.
Ebden showered praise on Bopanna, highlighting his youthful spirit and unwavering determination. “Age truly really is not even a number for this guy. He’s young at heart, he’s a champion, he’s a warrior. He’s fought hard by my side this whole past year,” remarked Ebden.
Bopanna attributed much of his later-career success to Iyengar yoga, emphasizing its role in strengthening his legs, body, and enhancing his on-court focus. Unfazed by his age, he expressed no intention of retiring from tennis, emphasizing that he is currently “playing my best tennis of my life.”
Rohan Bopanna in 2024
Currently ranked no., the Indian played his last match on the 20th of February 2021 when he capitulated to world no.35 Christopher Eubanks 6-3 6-4 in the qualifications in Singapore (draw).
This year Rohan owns a composed 0-1 match record.
Rohan Bopanna |
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