India’s legendary tennis player Rohan Bopanna has won the first men’s doubles Grand Slam title of his career. He teamed up with Matthew Ebden to win the Australian Open 2024 men’s doubles final today on Saturday. 43-year-old Rohan Bopanna and his Australian partner Ebden defeated Italy’s Simone Bolelli and Andrea Vavassori 7-6, 7-5.
Rohan Bopanna Made a Record
Rohan Bopanna is the third Indian player who won a men’s double grand slam. Before him, Leander Paes and Mahesh Bhupathi won men’s doubles grand slam titles. However, Rohan Bopanna is the oldest player to win a grand slam and became the oldest grand slam champion. Thus Rohan Bopanna has made a record by winning the Men’s Double Australian Open Grand Slam Finals. He broke the record of Jean Julien Rojer. Jean won the Men’s Double Title in the French Open at the age of 40 years and 9 months.
Rohan Bopanna History
Rohan Bopanna is a legendary Indian tennis player who has carved his name in the history of the sport, primarily in the doubles domain. Here’s a glimpse into his remarkable journey:
Early Life and Turning Pro: Born in 1980, Bopanna’s passion for tennis blossomed at a young age. He honed his skills at the Karnataka State Lawn Tennis Association in Bangalore and turned professional in 2001.
Doubles Prowess:
- Bopanna’s forte lies in doubles, where he has consistently displayed exceptional talent. He reached a career-high ranking of World No. 3 in July 2013, solidifying his position among the elite doubles players.
- Throughout his career, Bopanna has partnered with several renowned players, including Mahesh Bhupathi, Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi, Edouard Roger-Vasselin, and most recently, Matthew Ebden.
- His trophy cabinet boasts an impressive 24 ATP doubles titles, including five prestigious Masters 1000 titles. A noteworthy achievement was his historic win at the 2023 Indian Wells Masters, making him the oldest player to ever claim a title at this level.
Grand Slam Glory of Rohan Bopanna
- Bopanna’s Grand Slam journey has been equally noteworthy. He achieved his first Grand Slam victory in mixed doubles at the 2017 French Open alongside Gabriela Dabrowski, becoming the fourth Indian to win a major title.
- He has reached the finals of the mixed doubles competitions at the 2010 US Open, 2018 and 2023 Australian Opens, showcasing his consistent brilliance on the biggest stage.
- In 2023, Bopanna and Ebden created history by reaching the men’s doubles final at the US Open, making him the oldest player in the Open Era to do so.
Davis Cup Stalwart:
- Bopanna has been a mainstay of the Indian Davis Cup team since 2002, contributing significantly to the team’s success. He holds the record for most doubles wins (23) for India in the Davis Cup.
- His dedication and leadership qualities have made him a role model for aspiring Indian tennis players.
Beyond Tennis:
- Bopanna is not just a champion on the court but also a philanthropist who actively supports various social causes. He established the Rohan Bopanna Foundation in 2007 to promote tennis among underprivileged children in India.
- He is an inspiration not only for his sporting achievements but also for his commitment to giving back to society.
Rohan Bopanna’s story is one of unwavering dedication, exceptional talent, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. He has not only etched his name in Indian tennis history but also earned global recognition as a doubles specialist and a true sporting icon.