In a remarkable act of sportsmanship at the US Open, Rohan Bopanna became the hero of a heart-warming story.
On a balmy September afternoon in New York, after a hard-fought defeat in the men’s doubles final, the ageless warrior was seen seeking solace under a towel. But he was the winner that day, for showing the essence of sportsmanship.
Bopanna and Australian partner Matthew Ebden were facing the formidable duo of two-time champions Rajeev Ram and Joe Salisbury. In a crucial moment during the deciding set, with Bopanna and Ebden trailing 2-4, 0-15, an extraordinary incident took place.
Ebden executed a stunning crosscourt forehand, which appeared to be a winner, and seemingly secured a vital point for the duo. The chair umpire was poised to award them the point. That’s when Bopanna raised his hand. This was a demonstration of unmatched honesty, on one of the biggest stages of sport. The stakes were high.
Informing the chair umpire that the ball had grazed his elbow before crossing the net, Bopanna graciously conceded the point. He requested the official point be awarded to Ram and Salisbury. This unexpected act resonated with everyone, even surprising the eventual champions across the net. Despite the 6-2, 3-6, 4-6 loss in that final, Bopanna’s gesture won hearts.
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At the age of 43 years and six months, Bopanna became the oldest Grand Slam finalist in the Open era. This was his second runner-up finish in men’s doubles at a Major. The previous one was also at the US Open, in 2010. His partner back then was Pakistan’s Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi.
Despite another final setback, Bopanna aspires to become the oldest men’s doubles Grand Slam winner in the Open era. The 2017 French Open mixed doubles champion with Gabriela Dabrowski of Canada, he knows how to win a Major.
However, tennis will remember him also for his act of sportsmanship. In the cutthroat world of professional sports at the top level, such incidents are rare. Every point counts. To concede one under such circumstances in a Grand Slam final was an ace.
Bopanna’s commitment to upholding the spirit of sports on a global stage was a standout highlight of Indian sports in 2023. It was an inspiring story, for athletes and fans alike.
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