Indian tennis legend Leander Paes has joined the chorus of tributes pouring in for Rohan Bopanna, who announced his retirement from professional tennis after an illustrious career spanning over two decades. Bopanna, a two-time Grand Slam champion and one of India’s finest doubles players, called time on his journey on November 1, 2025, marking the end of an era for Indian tennis.
Leander Paes pays heartfelt tribute to his former teammate
Leander Paes, an 18-time Grand Slam champion and one of Bopanna’s most respected contemporaries, took to Instagram to share an emotional message for his compatriot.
“Rohan, what a journey. Proud to have shared the court and story of Indian tennis with you,” Paes wrote, celebrating the legacy of the 45-year-old star.
The two have long represented the golden age of Indian doubles tennis, often leading the country’s charge at international events and major tournaments. While they didn’t always share the same side of the net, both Paes and Rohan Bopanna contributed immensely to the nation’s global tennis reputation, inspiring generations of players to take up the sport.
A remarkable legacy built on resilience and excellence
Bopanna’s career has been nothing short of extraordinary. From his Davis Cup debut in 2002 to becoming world number one in doubles in 2024, his journey reflects unmatched perseverance and passion. Bopanna’s crowning moment came earlier that year when he won the Australian Open men’s doubles title with Matthew Ebden, becoming the oldest Grand Slam men’s doubles champion and the oldest first-time world number one in tennis history.
Despite facing severe knee issues during the latter stages of his career, Rohan Bopanna continued to compete at the highest level, proving that age and adversity could not dim his determination. With 26 ATP Tour titles, including six Masters 1000 crowns, his consistency and longevity have solidified his place among India’s all-time greats.
A legacy that will continue to inspire Indian tennis
Beyond his achievements on the court, Bopanna’s efforts to promote Indian tennis have been equally impactful. Through his ‘Doubles Dream of India’ initiative, launched in partnership with KPIT Technologies and the Pune Metropolitan District Tennis Association, he has nurtured and supported upcoming Indian talents, helping them access coaching and physiotherapy support while competing internationally.