In India, the name Rohan Bopanna is associated with doubles tennis. Bopanna, who has played doubles for more than 20 years, has made a name for himself as one of the world’s most accomplished and successful players. Generations of young tennis players in India and beyond have been inspired by his journey, characterized by steadfast determination, strategic genius, and an element of charm.
Early Life
Bopanna, born in Coorg, Karnataka 1980, grew up surrounded by beautiful coffee plantations, which fostered his passion for tennis. Tennis was the sport that Rohan Bopanna was most interested in playing when he was little. Being raised in a sports-loving family, he started playing tennis at a young age. His commitment to the game and enthusiasm were immediately apparent, paving the way for a bright future. Bopanna’s skill was soon recognized, and in his junior year, he began to make a splash in the Indian tennis scene. He was given a scholarship to the University of Mississippi in the United States because of his talent on the court, and he used that opportunity to further his career and establish himself as a collegiate tennis player.
Career Highlights
As he switched from college to the ATP Tour, Rohan Bopanna’s tennis career started to take off. His strong serves and skillful net play made him a formidable opponent on the doubles court. Bopanna established relationships that would later serve as the foundation of his career and rapidly found success in the doubles category.
The Indo-Pak Express
When Bopanna and Pakistan’s Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi advanced to the US Open mixed doubles final in 2010, it was one of the turning points in Bopanna’s career. With their incredible journey, the infamous “Indo-Pak Express” captivated the attention of fans worldwide and used sports to spread the message of harmony with the ‘Stop War, Start Tennis’ slogan.
Partnership with Mahesh Bhupati
Bopanna kept making news by putting up strong performances in Grand Slam tournaments, making it to the quarterfinals and semifinals of several of them. His collaboration with fellow Indian player Mahesh Bhupathi was especially notable since it allowed them to develop into a strong doubles duo that competed internationally for India.
Historic Victory at 2024 Australian Open
Bopanna’s victory in the 2024 Australian Open marked a turning point in his career. Along with winning his second Grand Slam title, he made history by teaming up with Australian star Matthew Ebden. He broke Ken Rosewall’s record by becoming the oldest person to win a Grand Slam doubles championship in the Open Era at 43. This triumph proved Bopanna’s steadfast dedication and capacity to modify and improve his technique over time.
Achievements and Accolades
Bopanna has an incredible array of titles in his trophy cabinet. He has won five major Masters 1000 championships among his 24 ATP doubles victories. He proved he could compete at the most significant level when he and Qureshi won the coveted Paris Masters title in 2011. Bopanna has also shown leadership abilities and contributed tremendous victories to the Indian Davis Cup team, making him an invaluable team member. In addition, he has won two Grand Slam titles: in the mixed doubles division at the 2017 French Open with Gabriela Dabrowski and in the men’s doubles division at the Australian Open in 2024 with Matthew Ebden.
