Rohan Bopanna announces retirement from international tennis after Olympic exit

Rohan Bopanna, the seasoned Indian tennis player, has announced his retirement from representing India following his exit from the Paris Olympics.

Bopanna and his doubles partner, N Sriram Balaji, were defeated in the first round of the men's doubles by the French team of Edouard Roger-Vasselin and Gael Monfils under the lights at court 12 on Sunday night.

Reflecting on his decision, Bopanna expressed satisfaction with his long and fulfilling career, stating, "This will definitely go down as my last event for the country. I totally understand where I am and now, I am just going to be enjoying the tennis circuit as long as that goes."

He ruled out participation in future international events, including the 2026 Asian Games in Japan, having already retired from the Davis Cup.

Bopanna, who has represented India since 2002, shared his pride in wearing the national colors for over two decades. His standout memory, he said, was his decisive win against Ricardo Mello in the 2010 Davis Cup tie against Brazil, which he described as his top moment while playing for India. He also reminisced about his time playing alongside Indian tennis greats like Leander Paes and Mahesh Bhupathi and his camaraderie with other players.

Acknowledging his family's support, Bopanna thanked his wife, Supriya, for her sacrifices throughout his career. He hinted at a potential future role in the All India Tennis Association (AITA), stating he would consider such a position when he could fully commit to it.

Reflecting on his final Olympic match, Bopanna noted that Monfils' unexpected participation made a significant impact. He praised the incredible atmosphere and fan support for the local players, describing it as one of the most unique and respectful crowds he had experienced.

Bopanna also commended his partner, Balaji, for his performance despite the challenging circumstances, encouraging him to learn and grow from the experience.