The Resilient Journey of Rohan Bopanna in Indian Tennis
Describing Rohan Bopanna’s tennis career in a single word would be “perseverance.” This quality defines him and serves as a lasting legacy in Indian tennis.
At 45, Bopanna announced his retirement at the conclusion of the 2025 season, capping off a 22-year career that boasts two Grand Slam titles. These achievements showcase his determination at the highest levels of the sport, but his perseverance reaches beyond mere statistics.
His career unfolded during the politically charged times of the Leander Paes-Mahesh Bhupathi era. Navigating these complexities with dignity, Bopanna emerged with both accomplishments and a sense of purpose, achieving two Grand Slam titles along the way.
Notably, Bopanna serves as an inspiration for late bloomers in sports. His age-related statistics illustrate this: he won his first Grand Slam, the mixed doubles at the 2017 French Open, at the age of 37, and reached his second men’s doubles Grand Slam final a decade after his first in 2013. His peak performance occurred at the age of 43.
However, Bopanna’s legacy transcends numbers and records; it is about forging his own path. Despite facing numerous challenges, he endured and achieved remarkable success, culminating in a triumphant run at the 2024 Australian Open, where he became the oldest man to win a Grand Slam title and claimed the world number one spot.
The journey to that championship was nothing short of a fairy tale—overcoming limits, including significant knee issues that once almost forced him into retirement. He transformed these challenges into opportunities, demonstrating unmatched resilience as he found renewed vigor on the court.
As his retirement approaches, Bopanna’s influence in Indian tennis remains significant. A bridge between eras, he has earned accolades, such as gold medals at the Asian Games, while also supporting the next generation of players through initiatives like the Doubles Dream of India. His retirement signifies the end of an era, but his legacy of perseverance will be remembered and admired for years to come.
