Fayez Hoda, Pune
Rohan Bopanna, the veteran from India, achieved a big accomplishment by reaching the In Australian Open 2024 semi-finals in men’s doubles. Teaming up with Australia’s Matthew Ebden, the 43-year-old won in straight sets against the Argentine pair of Máximo González and Andrés Molteni in the quarter-finals, scoring 6-4, 7-6 (5). After the ATP rankings are updated on Monday, Bopanna will officially be ranked as the number one player, while Ebden will take the second spot.
In the post-match interview at the match at Margaret Court, Bopanna said, “For every player, reaching World No. 1 is a dream. It was my dream, especially after playing the sport for several decades. Achieving this at this stage in my career results from my dedication to the sport, perseverance, hard work, and having a great partner like Ebden. Our consistent performance last year played a significant role in reaching this stage. Experience is a great factor in getting those wins. Ever since I started focussing only on doubles in 2010, it has taken me 13-14 years to reach this. I have been a journeyman.”
This is Bopanna’s first time reaching the semi-finals at the Australian Open. He had previously made it to the men’s doubles semi-finals at the French Open in 2022 and at Wimbledon in 2013, 2015, and 2023. Additionally, Bopanna has been a two-time runner-up at the US Open in 2010 and 2023. By becoming World No. 1, Bopanna joins a prestigious group of Indian players. Looking ahead, he is set to face Zhang Zhizhen and Tomas Machac in the semi-final, aiming to reach his first Grand Slam Final in Australia.
Bopanna has achieved something few have managed to achieve. He’s now the number one doubles player in the world, joining other Indian tennis stars like Leander Paes, Mahesh Bhupathi, and Sania Mirza. He replaced Austin Krajicek from the USA, who lost in the tournament’s second round with his partner Ivan Dodig.
Even though Bopanna won the mixed doubles title at the French Open in 2017 with Gabriela Dabrowski, he hadn’t won a men’s doubles title until now. Despite being a runner-up twice at the US Open in 2010 and 2023, Bopanna’s determination has finally made him a part of tennis history.