After more than two decades of passion, perseverance, and pride, India’s tennis icon Rohan Bopanna has announced his retirement from professional tennis. His final match came at the Paris Masters 1000, where he partnered with Alexander Bublik in doubles, marking the end of a glorious 22-year journey that inspired generations of Indian tennis players.
Rohan Bopanna’s Historic Career: From Coorg’s Coffee Estates to Global Tennis Arenas
Born and raised in Coorg, Karnataka, Bopanna’s story is nothing short of cinematic. He started by chopping wood to build strength for his serve and running through coffee estates to improve stamina, a routine that eventually helped him develop one of the most powerful serves in world tennis.
His determination carried him from cracked local courts to the grand stages of the ATP Tour, Grand Slams, and the Olympics, turning him into one of India’s most celebrated tennis figures.
Oldest Grand Slam Champion and World No. 1 in Men’s Doubles
Bopanna made history earlier in 2024, becoming the oldest Grand Slam winner and the oldest World No. 1 in men’s doubles at the age of 44, an extraordinary milestone in modern tennis.
He captured two Grand Slam titles during his career:
Bopanna also reached four other Grand Slam finals, including:
“Representing India Has Been the Greatest Honour of My Life”
In his emotional farewell note titled “A Goodbye… But Not The End”, the 45-year-old expressed deep gratitude for his journey.
“How do you bid farewell to something that gave your life its meaning? After 20 unforgettable years on tour, it’s time… I’m officially hanging up my racquet,” Bopanna wrote.
“Representing India has been the greatest honour of my life, and every time I stepped on court, I played for that flag, that feeling, that pride.”
His words reflect not just the end of a career but a lifelong love affair with the sport that defined him.
Legacy Beyond the Court: Bopanna’s Mission to Build Indian Tennis
Even after retiring from professional play, Rohan Bopanna isn’t stepping away from tennis. He has introduced UTR Tennis Pro to India and continues to nurture future talents through the Rohan Bopanna Tennis Academy.
His academy focuses on offering young Indian players access to world-class coaching, competitive platforms, and international exposure, ensuring the next generation of players can dream bigger than ever before.
A Journey Etched in Emotion and Determination
Bopanna’s heartfelt post beautifully encapsulates his incredible rise from small-town beginnings to international acclaim: “Tennis hasn’t been just a game for me, it has given me purpose when I was lost, strength when I was broken, and belief when the world doubted me.”
As he bids adieu to the professional circuit, Rohan Bopanna leaves behind a legacy built on discipline, humility, and relentless pursuit of excellence.
Inputs from TOI
Rohan Bopanna’s Historic Career: From Coorg’s Coffee Estates to Global Tennis Arenas
Born and raised in Coorg, Karnataka, Bopanna’s story is nothing short of cinematic. He started by chopping wood to build strength for his serve and running through coffee estates to improve stamina, a routine that eventually helped him develop one of the most powerful serves in world tennis.
His determination carried him from cracked local courts to the grand stages of the ATP Tour, Grand Slams, and the Olympics, turning him into one of India’s most celebrated tennis figures.
Oldest Grand Slam Champion and World No. 1 in Men’s Doubles
Bopanna made history earlier in 2024, becoming the oldest Grand Slam winner and the oldest World No. 1 in men’s doubles at the age of 44, an extraordinary milestone in modern tennis.
He captured two Grand Slam titles during his career:
- 2024 Australian Open men’s doubles (with Matthew Ebden)
- 2017 French Open mixed doubles (with Gabriela Dabrowski)
Bopanna also reached four other Grand Slam finals, including:
- 2020 US Open (men’s doubles) with Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi
- 2023 US Open (men’s doubles) with Matthew Ebden
- 2018 Australian Open (mixed doubles) with Timea Babos
- 2023 Australian Open (mixed doubles) with Sania Mirza
“Representing India Has Been the Greatest Honour of My Life”
In his emotional farewell note titled “A Goodbye… But Not The End”, the 45-year-old expressed deep gratitude for his journey.
“How do you bid farewell to something that gave your life its meaning? After 20 unforgettable years on tour, it’s time… I’m officially hanging up my racquet,” Bopanna wrote.
“Representing India has been the greatest honour of my life, and every time I stepped on court, I played for that flag, that feeling, that pride.”
His words reflect not just the end of a career but a lifelong love affair with the sport that defined him.
Legacy Beyond the Court: Bopanna’s Mission to Build Indian Tennis
Even after retiring from professional play, Rohan Bopanna isn’t stepping away from tennis. He has introduced UTR Tennis Pro to India and continues to nurture future talents through the Rohan Bopanna Tennis Academy.
His academy focuses on offering young Indian players access to world-class coaching, competitive platforms, and international exposure, ensuring the next generation of players can dream bigger than ever before.
A Journey Etched in Emotion and Determination
Bopanna’s heartfelt post beautifully encapsulates his incredible rise from small-town beginnings to international acclaim: “Tennis hasn’t been just a game for me, it has given me purpose when I was lost, strength when I was broken, and belief when the world doubted me.”
As he bids adieu to the professional circuit, Rohan Bopanna leaves behind a legacy built on discipline, humility, and relentless pursuit of excellence.
Inputs from TOI
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