At a time when India struggles to get its best players on board to represent the country in the prestigious Davis Cup away tie against Sweden, one man still enjoying himself on the ATP Tour is Rohan Bopanna. At Level 44, as he likes to call himself, the tall Coorgi is at home in Bengaluru for a break before he again steps out in the quest for more wins, ranking points and titles.
In an exclusive chat with RevSportz, Bopanna spoke of how the year has been satisfying and there is a lot more work to be done. Reminded about his latest doubles ranking of 6 on the ATP computer, he laughed over a phone call. “I am putting no pressure on myself and enjoying my tennis. And yes, the 2024 season is far from over for me,” said Bopanna. It is not easy to be a professional tennis player and yet devote time to the family. “To have been away from home before I left for the Queen’s tournament is a long time. Of course, the family was with me in New York,” said Bopanna, who made it to the mixed doubles semi-finals with Aldila Sutjiadi, an Indonesian player, in New York.
The tall Coorgi did not have very good results with Matt Ebden at the US Open but that has not been worrying. “As far as Matt and I are concerned, we have had a great year. To understand and respect each other has been important as a doubles team. Matt is playing Davis Cup this week and has been away from home (Australia) for over six months. He may take a break after this, I should be back next week with Ivan Dodig. We have played together before, so I am hoping we can do well,” explained Bopanna, still as energetic as before.
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Having retired from the Davis Cup last year in Lucknow after some brilliant performances for India, first, in singles, and then in doubles, Rohan Bopanna led the campaign at the Asian Games in Hangzhou. He won a mixed doubles gold medal with Rutuja Bhosale and the next challenge was to qualify for the Paris 2024 Olympics. Even though Bopanna got to play with the partner he chose, Sriram Balaji, results at the Paris Olympics were not good. Bopanna and Balaji lost to Gael Monfils and Edouard Roger-Vesselin in the first round on the outside courts of Roland Garros. After that, Bopanna decided he was no longer going to play for India.
There was no doubt, he took that decision after a lot of thought, not impulsively. Yet, to be back on the ATP Tour and still be motivated to play doubles, that is what defines Bopanna’s passion. Looking ahead, he says another five tournaments in 2024 are a realistic target. “I mean, if Matt takes a longish break, then I will play with Dodig. But Matt and I are definitely on for the season-ending finals in Turin (Italy) in November,” stressed Bopanna.
To prod the champion and look at the 2025 season was not an easy question to ask. But then, Bopanna never beats around the bush. “Well, I am looking at the 2025 season already. It’s too early to say if I will have Matt Edben as my partner next year or not but we will have a chat in a few weeks’ time. I will be playing the Australian Open next year and start one week before that. What also suits me is there are two important ATP events early next year in Dubai and Doha. Travel becomes easier for me from Bengaluru,” said Bopanna, as he also wishes to spend more time with the family.
“I mean, my family has been very supportive and I am able to continue to play tennis and be away from home for long periods, it’s not easy,” stressed Bopanna. He turns 45 next March. “Well, I am hoping to be there through the next season and can call myself Level 45 after March,” said Bopanna, his loud laughter suggesting how much he likes to defy age. “As long as I can stay fit, work hard on my strength and game, I will continue to play. Most important, I am still getting the results,” he said, as if proof was needed. To be in the Top 10 doubles rankings is not easy. Then again, Bopanna says he will make more ranking points in Beijing and Shanghai this September/October. “I had missed one event last year because of the Asian Games,” he explained.
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