All through this week, RevSportz will have features on, and interviews with, the Indian athletes who shone brightest in 2023. We start with the elder stateman’s in the man’s category, Rohan Bopanna. He has finally managed to get a winter break after a hectic tennis season where he finished eighth in the individual doubles in the ATP rankings. The best part was his striking up a lovely partnership with Australia’s Matt Ebden. In a conversation with RevSportz, Bopanna spoke on a gamut of topics.
RevSportz: A winter break for you, finally, and back home, Rohan?
Bopanna: It’s a luxury, really, to be back home in December. My family is happy, and my friends are thrilled I will be home for Christmas and New Year. I guess the best time would be in Coorg.
RevSportz: Year after year, you were away from home during the year-end, preparing for the next season?
Bopanna: Yeah, this has been an immensely satisfying year, my best year, in so many ways. The good thing is I can delay my start in 2024, in Australia. But there is some sadness as well.
RevSportz: Why sadness, Rohan?
Bopanna: Anyone who has followed the Indian tennis circuit knows the Chennai Open was an emotional tournament for many of us. From the times of Leander (Paes) and Mahesh (Bhupathi), Chennai rocked. I loved the atmosphere in Chennai. After that, the event moved to Pune, a city where I have lived for five years. It’s sad there is no ATP event in India, it hits me and many more players. Yes, I can enter Australia a week before the Australian Open as my partner will be playing the United Cup.
RevSportz: You spoke of Level 43, your age. Tell us about goals in 2024?
Bopanna: Yes, the good part is I have a settled partner. The 2023 year was a unique one, where I did not have to change partners. This has been a brilliant year in many ways, achieved so much. Yes, 43 is my age and I am at Level 43. As regards 2024, I want to do my best. Matt and I should get into the Master Series events, at least the five big ones in 2024. We have committed to a full year.
RevSportz: Your thoughts on Paris 2024?
Bopanna: It’s a big year. The Olympics is big for me, I am excited about it. I missed the last one in Tokyo. Hopefully, Paris will be a happy hunting ground.
RevSportz: Who do you think should be your doubles partner in Paris?
Bopanna: That’s a very good question. Most important, I have to first check who plays well on clay. I am aware Sumit Nagal has done well in singles on clay. But I would look at the doubles specialists and then decide who would be the best combination for India.
RevSportz: Are you thinking of the mixed doubles as well in Paris?
Bopanna: Why not? I did well with Rutuja in the Hangzhou Asian Games and won gold. We will need to see if we get an entry into the mixed event in Paris. Hopefully, an Indian pair will be there.
RevSportz: You have watched Indian sports for so long. Have we matured and come of age?
Bopanna: Certainly, Indian sports and Indian athletes have great belief in themselves. I think it all began in London 2012. We did very well in Tokyo and the results in the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham and Asian Games prove we are on an upswing.
RevSportz: Does that mean the Indian athlete today is fearless?
Bopanna: Absolutely. The Indian athlete today goes out not just to compete, but to try and win. We all talk of the superb exploits of Neeraj Chopra. He is an icon. At the same time, I think there are many more athletes who are ready to go full tilt. We believe we can shine and there is nothing called fear. I am sure the Indians will do well in so many disciplines.
RevSportz: Do you watch other events as well in the Asian Games and the Olympics?
Bopanna: Of course, I do. It’s a joy to see other athletes do well. I was watching hockey in Hangzhou. I am sure there will be plenty to watch in Paris as well, vis-a-vis Indians.
RevSportz: A few Indian athletes are dealing with injuries. Are injuries part of the game, and what are your thoughts on PV Sindhu?
Bopanna: Sindhu is an amazing athlete. Her injury does not worry me. I am more than confident she will come out firing in 2024 like before. A break like this is good, she will come out much stronger and fitter. I have seen Sindhu play many times, and her strength is her inner toughness. An athlete can get injured, yes. As I see it, she is much younger than being made out.
To deal with injuries and rest is important. I have dealt with it, so there is nothing to be scared of. To return, fully ready, will be interesting as Sindhu will be making some changes overall as well in her game. Do not discount her.
RevSportz: You are a family man. To get time with your wife and daughter, please tell us?
Bopanna: My pillar of strength is my family. It’s nice to be home on a break and spend time with my wife and daughter. Coorg should be a good break!
RevSportz: RevSportz completed two years on December 1. Do you follow the site?
Bopanna: Of course, I follow RevSportz. My best wishes and congratulations to the team for covering every sport.