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Rohan Bopanna, a veteran Indian tennis player, has brought his career with the Indian national team to a close. This announcement comes after his final match at the Paris Olympics, where he and his doubles partner, Sriram Balaji, lost to a French pair in the men's doubles event. The 44-year-old Bopanna's final hurrah in the India jersey couldn't have taken place at a more poignant location - Roland Garros, the very court where he achieved his first Grand Slam victory in 2017, partnering with Gabriela Dabrowski in the mixed doubles event. This marked a pivotal moment in his career, solidifying his standing as a formidable force in the world of tennis.
While Bopanna's retirement from the Indian team might not come as a complete surprise, given his decision to step back from Davis Cup duties last year, it still marks the end of an era. Last year, Bopanna capped off a stellar season by claiming the Australian Open men's doubles title, achieving the world No. 1 ranking in Melbourne Park. The journey he undertook, spanning over two decades, is one he describes as a 'dream that turned into reality'.
Bopanna, who will be participating in the ATP Masters 1000 event in Montreal next alongside his Australian partner Matthew Ebden, reflects on his journey with the Indian team. He reminisces about his initial aspirations as an aspiring tennis player, where representing India was the ultimate goal. His journey began in 2002, and little did he know then that he would be a part of the Indian team for 22 years. This feat demanded unwavering dedication and commitment, as he explains, 'Nobody will take you in a team just like that, you have to earn your spot in a team, you have to have the ranking.'
Despite not achieving an Olympic medal, Bopanna takes immense pride in his contribution to the team's presence at the Olympics. He played a pivotal role in securing India's entry in the 2016 and 2024 Olympics due to his high ranking. His words express a sense of accomplishment: 'I'm proud of the fact that I have competed relentlessly for over two decades, I'm proud that I could make the sacrifices count.' He acknowledges that his dedication was not a solitary pursuit. His family, too, played a crucial role in his success. His parents and then his wife, Supriya, provided unwavering support. He recognizes the challenges his wife faced, particularly after the birth of their daughter, Tridha, as he became an 'absentee father'. Despite the sacrifices, Bopanna expresses gratitude for Supriya's unwavering support, which allowed him to pursue his passion and continue on the Tour.
Source: Paris Olympics: Rohan Bopanna brings his India career to a close