Amisha Pathania, Pune
Indian tennis veteran Rohan Bopanna etched his name in the annals of tennis history, securing his maiden men’s doubles Grand Slam title at the 2024 Australian Open. At the age of 43, Bopanna, alongside Australian partner Matthew Ebden, showcased resilience and skill to defeat the Italian duo Simone Bolelli and Andrea Vavassori in a gripping final, claiming victory with a 7-6(0), 7-5 scoreline. This triumph marked a significant milestone for Bopanna, who now stands as the oldest-ever player to win a Grand Slam, surpassing Jean-Julien Rojer’s record. Rojer clinched the French Open men’s doubles trophy in 2022 at the age of 40. For Bopanna and Ebden, this victory was not just about breaking age barriers; it was the first title together after falling st in the US Open final the previous year. Bopanna’s journey to this historic win was paved with determination.
In his 61st Grand Slam appearance, he finally secured the elusive title after 60 attempts, setting another record in the process. Previously, the Indian tennis stalwart had claimed a Grand Slam victory at the 2017 French Open in mixed doubles alongside Canada’s Gabriela Dabrowski.
The Australian Open final, despite being a straight-set affair, was far from a walk in the park. The Indo-Aussie pair encountered a formidable challenge, with only one break of serve in the 11th game of the second set proving decisive. Bopanna and Ebden’s pursuit of an early breakthrough saw them creating break point opportunities, demonstrating their strategic prowess against the unseeded opponents.The icing on the cake for Bopanna came earlier in the week when he secured the No. 1 ranking in ATP men’s doubles. This achievement made him the oldest player ever to ascend to the top spot, a testament to his enduring passion and skill on the court.
In a fortnight filled with intense battles, Bopanna and Ebden remained undefeated in tie-breakers, displaying unwavering focus and skill. Their victory not only adds a glittering chapter to Bopanna’s illustrious career but also stands as an inspiration for tennis enthusiasts worldwide, proving that age is no barrier to Grand Slam glory.