‘Your dedication over two decades is inspirational’: Kumble pays tribute to Bopanna on his retirement
Rohan Bopanna, the celebrated Indian tennis player, announced his retirement on Instagram on Saturday, ending a 20‑year run that saw him win 26 tour‑level doubles titles.
The 45‑year‑old, who turned 43 last month, posted, “How do you bid farewell to something that gave your life its meaning? After 20 unforgettable years on tour, however, it’s my time… I’m officially hanging up my racquet.”
Bopanna’s career best came at the 2024 Australian Open, where he and partner Matthew Ebden took the men’s doubles title. The victory vaulted him to world no. 1 for the first time, making him the oldest man ever to achieve the ranking. He also earned a gold medal at the 2018 Asian Games and a mixed‑doubles title at the 2017 French Open.
Former Indian cricketer and coach Anil Kumble praised the veteran on X. “Congratulations @rohanbopanna on a truly remarkable career. Your dedication over two decades and the pride with which you represented India are inspirational. Wishing you great success and happiness in the next phase,” the legend wrote.
Since turning pro in 2003, Bopanna has partnered with 15 different players and collected 539 tour‑level victories. His first win came with Eric Butorac in Los Angeles in 2008.
He reached his first Grand Slam final in 2010 at the US Open with Aisam‑Ul‑Haq Qureshi, and finished runner‑up again in 2023 with Matthew Ebden. The pair turned heartbreak into glory at the 2024 Australian Open, securing Bopanna’s second Grand Slam title.
Bopanna also appeared in the ATP Finals in 2012 and 2015, finishing as runner‑up. His most recent match was at the Paris Masters, where he and Alexander Bublik lost in the first round to John Peers and JJ Tracy.
Having already stepped away from the Indian national team after the Paris 2024 Olympics, Bopanna’s retirement marks the end of a storied career that inspired a new generation of Indian tennis fans.
Source: ianslive
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