Rohan Bopanna : India’s tennis icon Rohan Bopanna has officially ended his remarkable journey with the national team following a heartbreaking first-round exit at the Paris 2024 Olympics. The 44 year old, who had hinted at his impending retirement before the Games, confirmed this was his final appearance representing India.

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Bopanna, paired with Sriram Balaji, faced a tough match in the men’s doubles, ultimately losing to their French rivals with a score of 5-7, 2-6. Despite hopes for a triumphant farewell, the seasoned Bopanna found himself outmatched, while Balaji put up a valiant effort. This early exit marked the end of Bopanna’s Olympic aspirations and his career in national colors.

Reflecting on a Storied Career

“This will definitely go down as my last event for the country,” Bopanna stated, acknowledging the end of his tenure with the national team. “I totally understand where I am and now, I am just going to be enjoying the tennis circuit as long as that goes.”

Bopanna’s retirement from national duties doesn’t mean the end of his tennis career. He plans to continue competing on the ATP circuit, where he has already made history as one of the oldest and most successful doubles players.

Olympic Memories and Beyond

Bopanna’s Olympic journey began at London 2012, where he teamed up with Mahesh Bhupathi. The duo reached the second round, marking a promising start. At Rio 2016, Bopanna and Sania Mirza narrowly missed a bronze medal in mixed doubles, adding a bittersweet chapter to his Olympic story.

Unfortunately, Bopanna couldn’t participate in Tokyo 2020 but made a comeback at Paris 2024. Despite his hopes, the early exit underscored the challenges faced by aging athletes on the global stage.

Achievements and Honors

Bopanna’s career is adorned with numerous accolades:

Grand Slam Titles: He won the mixed doubles event at the French Open in 2017 and the Australian Open men’s doubles in 2024, becoming the oldest man to win a Grand Slam title in the Open Era.
ATP Titles: Accumulated 26 ATP doubles titles, including six ATP 1000 Masters titles. Notable victories include the Paris Masters in 2011 with Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi and the Indian Wells Masters in 2023 with Matthew Ebden.
Asian Games Success: Secured gold medals at the 2018 Asian Games in men’s doubles with Divij Sharan and in mixed doubles with Rutuja Bhosale at the 2022 Asian Games.
Davis Cup: Concluded his illustrious 21 year Davis Cup career in September 2023, helping India secure numerous victories, including a 4-1 win over Morocco in his final appearance.

Legacy and Future

An Arjuna Awardee and a celebrated figure in Indian tennis, Bopanna’s legacy extends beyond his impressive records. He achieved a career-high world No. 1 ranking in doubles in January 2024, making him the oldest player to reach this milestone. His contributions to Indian tennis, both on and off the court, have inspired countless young athletes.

As Bopanna transitions away from representing India, he leaves behind a legacy of perseverance, skill, and sportsmanship. The tennis world will continue to witness his prowess on the ATP circuit, but his chapter with the Indian national team has gracefully come to an end.