Rohan Bopanna does not like overstatement. Yet, when he said on Tuesday that 2023 has been his best year as a tennis professional, there was no exaggeration.
“I have been around for two decades, and this year has been really special and my best,” Bopanna told RevSportz in an exclusive interview. “I am glad I could play top quality tennis with my partner Matt Ebden and do so well.”
Having failed to make the cut for the Tokyo Olympics, the 43-year-old from Coorg is now revved up, and the goal is make the cut for the 2024 Paris Olympics. Even though Bopanna and Ebden failed to finish as the No. 1 doubles pair, what is important is that he has preserved his individual ranking within the Top 10.
“From Wimbledon till now, whatever ranking points I have earned is a bonus,” said Bopanna. “I am very confident when the cut is applied for the Paris Olympics next year, I will get in as I am certain I will be ranked in the top 10.” He is currently No.8.
The oldest player to excel in the world of tennis doubles, Bopanna says 43 is a number. “Let me put it this way, I am on Level 43, enjoying my tennis and hungry to play more,” he said.
To be on the road for over two decades and keep competing as a professional is not easy. “I think the key is to keep enjoying what you are doing in life,” said Bopanna. “I treat tennis as a pleasure, and this has been a standout year in many ways. There are so many emotions attached to this year. I think, after over a decade, I have played with such consistency. So, definitely, Matt and I will be pairing up in 2024.”
Bopanna began his 2023 journey in January. The start was shaky, but as the partnership between him and Ebden clicked, they kept going deeper in the draws. “I mean, the results show how much I could keep going,” said Bopanna. “Apart from the four Grand Slams, to do well in the Masters series, win a few big titles and then sign off in Davis Cup, there are so many emotions I recall.”
What about the Asian Games in Hanzghou? “Well, to win gold with Rutuja Bhosale in mixed doubles was a high point in China,” recalled Bopanna. “The Asian Games came just after my last Davis Cup tie in Lucknow. There were so many emotions, to be around with the boys and then the girls in the Asian Games teams – it has been so enjoyable.”
Even though he and Ebden will be playing in the year-end ATP Finals, that will have no bearing on his individual ranking. “I really do not want to worry about making the cut for the Paris Olympics,” said Bopanna. “A Top 10 is surely there for me.”
As we chatted about fitness, injuries, recovery and rehab, Bopanna was emotional as he spoke of how hard it is to be away from home. “My wife and daughter are not there always with me in tournaments abroad,” he said. “They are there sometimes and not there sometimes. It is this family support which keeps me going.”
Asked to differentiate between competing in a team sport and tennis doubles, Bopanna had a very smart reply. “In a team sport, if you get injured, a substitute can take over,” he said. “Here, I alone have to play with my partner. To be out for over 30 weeks and toil can be done only if you are enjoying it.”
For someone who started as a singles specialist and then moved to doubles, Bopanna feels doubles is all about chemistry. “The reason why I am saying this is my best year is not just because of results achieved,” he said. “I repeat, playing at Level 43 and doing hard things to stay fit is the key. Yes, I do have the best support system, but the main thing is I myself have to work very hard on staying fit. For all those asking me or saying that I am getting old, I can only laugh.”
As a mentor and guide, Bopanna has already started giving back to the sport. He is helping out all those who want his guidance on doubles play. Maybe, if the All India Tennis Association asked Rohan, he would take up the job as Davis Cup captain. To be selfless, always smiling, and ready to play with almost anyone from India is a sign of zero ego.
Lovely, isn’t it?