Rohan Bopanna retires: Oldest Grand Slam Champion & World No. 1 announces retirement after a glorious 22-year journey in tennis
Rohan Bopanna’s Historic Career: From Coorg’s Coffee Estates to Global Tennis Arenas
Born and brought up in Coorg, Karnataka, Bopanna’s story is nothing short of cinematic. He started by chopping wood to power his service and running around coffeehouses to increase his stamina; this routine eventually helped him develop one of the most powerful serves in world tennis.
His determination took him from crack local courts to the big stages of the ATP Tour, Grand Slams and Olympics, making him one of India’s most famous tennis figures.
Oldest Grand Slam Champion and World No. 1 in Men’s Doubles
Bopanna made history in early 2024, becoming the oldest Grand Slam winner and the oldest world No. 1 in men’s doubles at the age of 44; This is an extraordinary milestone in modern tennis.
He won two Grand Slam titles during his career:
- 2024 Australian Open men’s doubles (with Matthew Ebden)
- 2017 French Open mixed doubles (with Gabriela Dabrowski)
Bopanna also reached four more Grand Slam finals:
- 2020 US Open (men’s doubles) with Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi
- 2023 US Open (men’s doubles) with Matthew Ebden
- 2018 Australian Open (mixed doubles) with Timea Babos
- 2023 Australian Open (mixed doubles) with Sania Mirza
He was also a two-time ATP Finals runner-up (in 2012 with Mahesh Bhupathi and in 2015 with Florin Mergea).
“Representing India has been the greatest honor of my life”
The 45-year-old actor expressed his deep gratitude for his journey in an emotional farewell note titled “A Farewell… But Not the End.”
“How do you say goodbye to something that gives your life meaning? After 20 unforgettable years on tour, the time has come… I am officially hanging up my racket,” Bopanna wrote.
“It was the greatest honor of my life to represent India and every time I stepped on the field, I played for that flag, for that feeling, for that pride.”
His words reflect not only the end of his career but also the lifelong love affair with the sport that defined him.
Legacy Beyond the Court: Bopanna’s Mission to Development Indian Tennis
Rohan Bopanna is not moving away from tennis even after retiring from professional football. He introduced UTR Tennis Pro to India and continues to nurture future talent through the Rohan Bopanna Tennis Academy.
His academy focuses on providing young Indian players with access to world-class coaching, competitive platforms and international exposure, enabling the next generation of players to dream bigger than ever before.
A Journey Etched with Emotion and Determination
Bopanna’s heartfelt post beautifully sums up her incredible rise from small-town beginnings to international acclaim: “Tennis has not been just a game to me; it has given me purpose when I was lost, strength when I was broken, and faith when the world doubted me.”
As he bids farewell to the professional circle, Rohan Bopanna leaves behind a legacy built on discipline, humility and the relentless pursuit of excellence.
Inputs from TOI
