Indian ace Rohan Bopanna and his Australian partner Matt Ebden ougutted Molteni Andres and Maximo Gonzalez 6-4, 7-6 (7/5) to enter the semi-finals of the men’s doubles at the Australian Open on Wednesday. This was a performance high in class, calibre and composure as the Indian-Aussie dup came out through the second set tie-breaker by holding their nerves.
This win will make Rohan Bopanna, Age 43, the No.1 player in doubles, a historic high. The heat and humidity on court was high, wherein play was stalled for a brief while due to “bubbles on court.” Yet, if tennis needed heat to be produced, Bopanna, at Level 43, as he himself calls it, has been inspiring.
For all those who say that Rohan Bopanna is the oldest No.1 please change your words. This tall Coorgi, playing his 15th Australian Open, is a man on a mission. He is proving no point to anyone, simple enjoying his tennis.
What is the reason behind this success? No cliché, commitment, hard work, belief and hanging out with a partner he has enjoyed success with. “Matt and I have backed each other, we believe in ourselves,” Bopanna had told this writer very recently.
RevSportz has followed Rohan Bopanna closely, with the interactions at the Asian Games in Hangzhou and later revealing he is ready to make 2024 as a special year. “I think the main thing is to enjoy my tennis,” Rohan Bopanna told RevSportz just before the Australian Open.
The match stats on Wednesday were revealing, Bopanna and his partner were serving big in the Melbourne heat, the aces and first serve percentage simply at an incredible high. Nine aces, winning 84 per cent on first serve, it speaks about their dominance. That Bopanna and his partner smashed 26 winners was proof how they are in rip-roaring form.
What does No1 mean? In doubles tennis, where the aces take time to mature, Rohan Bopanna is king. He has waited to get here. His knees were gone four years ago, he has no cartilage in them. If you know what it the definition of pain, ask him. He has managed with rehab, physios all the time with him and yoga.
Rohan Bopanna’s doubles camp in Bengaluru is a big hit –RevSportz exclusive
Why is he doing this? He comes from Coorg, has enough to live a comfortable life. Fact is he enjoys tennis, is a leader, is an inspiration and wants to leave behind a huge mark in tennis. This is the year of the Paris Olympics. Rohan Bopanna wants to be there as he is searching for success. He will find the right partner. “I am in no hurry to see who will be my partner in Paris,” he said.
“There are a few guys who are playing on the circuit even after I became a pro, but I am happy where I am,” says Bopanna. Asked to explain his game, Rohan Bopanna, finalist at US Open in 2023 says: “I bring on the court mental strength, not foot speed.”
During his hey days, Rohan would serve rockets. Even now, Rohan Bopanna and his partner serve canon balls.
Will Level 43 Bopanna peak at Level 44 this year?
Yes, is the answer.
There have been No.1 in doubles before from India, Leander Paes and Mahesh Bhupathi huge role models. Rohan Bopanna has now ensured he will rule and reign. After all, the ATP computer will name him No.1 next week.
For the record, Sania Mirza was also World No.1 in doubles.