"A Goodbye... But Not The End. How do you bid farewell to something that gave your life its meaning? After 20 unforgettable years on tour however, it's time... I'm officially hanging up my racquet. As I write this, my heart feels both heavy and grateful. Starting my journey from a small town of Coorg in India, chopping blocks of wood to strengthen my serve, jogging through coffee estates to build stamina and chasing dreams on cracked courts to standing under the lights of the biggest arenas in the world - it all feels surreal. Tennis hasn't been just a game for me - It has given me purpose when I was lost, strength when I was broken and belief when the world doubted me.

"Every time I stepped onto a court, it taught me perseverance, resilience to rise, to fight again when everything inside me said I couldn't - and most of all, reminded me why I started and who I am. To my wonderful parents - you are my heroes. You gave me everything so I could chase this dream. The sacrifices you made, the quiet strength you carried, the faith you never lost...I owe it all to you. To my sister, Rashmi - you've been my gentle constant and my cheerleader through it all. You've always seen the best in me, even when I couldn't. To my family - thank you for being my anchor, my safe haven, and the love that kept me standing through every high and low.

"To every coach, partner, trainer, physio, my team, and my world of friends who walked this path with me - thank you for pushing me, lifting me, and believing in me through every chapter. To Scott - my coach, mentor and friend for 12 incredible years. You've seen me through every phase - the highs, the frustrations, the vulnerabilities, the comebacks - and helped shape not just the player, but the man I am today. Your belief, guidance and calm through it all have been my grounding.

"To my fellow players - thank you for the respect, the rivalries and the brotherhood. Lastly, to my fans - your love has been my fuel. You celebrated me when I triumphed and stood by me when I fell. You have given my career perspective and purpose. Representing India has been the greatest honour of my life. Each time I walked onto the court with the tricolour beside my name, I felt its pride and its value. Every serve, every point, every match - I played for that flag, for that feeling, for my country.Thank you, India.

"I may be stepping away from competition, but my story with tennis isn't over. This game gave me everything and now, I want to give back - to help young dreamers from small towns believe that their beginnings don't define their limits. That with belief, hard work, and heart - anything is possible. My gratitude is endless and my love for this beautiful game will never fade. This isn't goodbye... it's a thank you to everyone who shaped me, guided me, supported me and loved me. You're all a part of this story. You're all a part of me.."

Rohan Bopanna's achievements

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Bopanna's one of the most inspiring chapters of his career came in 2024 when he won the Australian Open men's double title, becoming World No. 1 at the age of 43.

The veteran also reached four other Grand Slam finals, one in men’s doubles (with Matthew Ebden at the 2023 US Open) and three in mixed doubles (with Timea Babos at the 2018 Australian Open, Sania Mirza at the 2023 Australian Open, and Dabrowski at the 2017 French Open).

Bopanna also featured in the summit clash of the year-ending ATP Finals in 2012 and 2015, alongside Mahesh Bhupathi and Florin Mergea, respectively.