In an unprecedented achievement, Indian tennis veteran Rohan Bopanna has etched his name in history as the oldest first-time World No. 1 in doubles. This momentous accomplishment follows his recent victory at the Australian Open, where he, alongside partner Matthew Ebden, secured the men’s doubles title.
Bopanna’s ascent to the summit of the doubles rankings at the age of 43 not only signifies a personal milestone but also marks a significant chapter for Indian tennis. His journey to the top mirrors the feats of compatriots Leander Paes and Mahesh Bhupathi, adding another glorious chapter to India’s tennis legacy.
Reflecting on his achievement, Bopanna emphasized the broader impact on Indian tennis, stating, “India needed this. We don’t really have many tennis players coming up. Sport is slowly coming up. I think it’s just going to inspire a lot of people. I don’t think just in tennis. People all over the world, being 40 and above, I think it’s just going to inspire them differently.”
The triumph at the Australian Open propelled Bopanna up two positions in the ATP rankings, capping off a year of consistent performance that underscores the perseverance and dedication integral to his enduring career.
Bopanna acknowledged the crucial role played by his partnership with Ebden, highlighting their consistent performance in the previous year. “For me to get to World No. 1, I think [is thanks to] my perseverance to the sport, to stay in it and to keep fighting and to keep working hard and have such a great partner by my side,” said Bopanna.
The collaboration with Ebden, initiated at the beginning of the 2023 season, proved to be fruitful, leading to qualification for the ATP Finals in their debut year and showcasing resilience and teamwork in the face of challenges.
As Bopanna stands atop the doubles rankings, his achievement symbolizes not only individual prowess but also the growing stature of Indian tennis on the global stage. His success serves as an inspiration to aspiring players and fans alike, breaking age barriers in the competitive world of tennis.
Matthew Ebden, Bopanna’s partner in this historic journey, lauded the accomplishment, saying, “It’s an incredible thing for Bops, especially at his age. It was a big goal of ours when we started this partnership over a year ago, and we talked about it. We made our intentions clear, ‘I want to get to World No. 1, win the Slams, the big tournaments.’ We have ticked a lot of boxes last year and this is another one of those. A huge milestone.”
As Rohan Bopanna stands atop the world in doubles, his achievement resonates beyond the tennis courts, leaving an indelible mark on the sporting landscape.
