January 27, 2024, marked a momentous occasion for Rohan Bopanna as he clinched the Australian Open 2024 men's doubles championship alongside Matthew Ebden. Triumphing over the Italian duo Simone Boleli and Andrea Vavassori with a scoreline of 7-6 (7-0), 7-5 at the Rod Laver Arena, Bopanna's victory was more than just a win; it was the culmination of a journey marked by perseverance and resilience.
At 43, Bopanna faced numerous challenges on his path to this maiden title. There was a time when his career seemed to be faltering, leading him to consider retirement. He vividly remembers a poignant conversation with his wife, Supriya Annaiah, expressing his doubts about continuing his tennis career. Yet, on this victorious Saturday, with his wife and daughter Tridha in the audience, Bopanna not only proved his mettle but also set a record as the oldest man to win a Grand Slam title in the Open Era.
"It is the biggest achievement and there is no question about it. Two years ago, I sent her a video, saying that I want to stop tennis because I was not really winning matches. Now today, being ranked No.1, there is so much of wonderful support from the country, this is magical," Bopanna told Sony Sports Network.
Bopanna's 2024 season has been nothing short of a fairy tale. Earlier in the week, he celebrated his 500th run in professional tennis and achieved the milestone of becoming the oldest World No.1 at 43. His achievements were further recognised when he was honored with the Padma Shri, adding to his remarkable year, which he capped off with a victory at Melbourne Park.
"There have been so many things. Starting with the 500 wins, getting to No.1, winning the Padma Shri and now... this is the dream. Nothing better than this, this is beautiful," Bopanna said.
His message to aspiring tennis players is one of unwavering determination: to never succumb to despair, no matter how bleak the present may seem. He encourages young athletes to transcend the perceived limitations of time in their pursuit of success.
"Never be in a hurry. I mean there is no time limit. We have set those limitations ourselves. Today, we are still competing or doing whatever we are, what we love. As long as you love what you do and you are really competing that's what matters. The biggest message for me is never ever give up and never ever doubt yourself," Bopanna added.
Bopanna's journey to glory began back in 2017 when he won his first Grand Slam mixed doubles title with Gabriela Dabrowski at the Philippe Chatrier, overcoming Robert Farah and Anna-Lena Gronfeld in a gripping final. Last year, he narrowly missed the championship at Melbourne Park in the mixed doubles category, partnering with Sania Mirza.
However, this year at Melbourne Park, there was no stopping Bopanna. His exceptional performance in the men's doubles not only etched his name in the annals of Indian tennis history but also showcased his remarkable skill and enduring spirit.
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