Rohan Bopanna announces retirement after 2 decades in tennis
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New Delhi: India’s two-time Grand Slam champion Rohan Bopanna has announced his retirement from professional tennis, marking the end of an illustrious two-decade-long career that brought immense pride and glory to Indian tennis.
Bopanna’s announcement came just days after his final appearance at the Paris Masters 1000, where he partnered with Alexander Bublik. The duo exited in the Round of 32 after a close 5-7, 6-2, 10-8 defeat to John Peers and James Tracy.
“How do you bid farewell to something that gave your life its meaning? After 20 unforgettable years on tour, it’s time I’m officially hanging up my racquet,” Bopanna wrote in an emotional social media post.
Widely celebrated as one of India’s greatest tennis icons, the 45-year-old from Coorg leaves behind a legacy built on a powerful serve, exceptional net play, and an enduring spirit that defined Indian doubles tennis. Over two decades, he represented India with distinction in Davis Cup campaigns, Olympic Games, and on the ATP Tour, earning respect worldwide.
Bopanna’s breakthrough came in 2017, when he captured the French Open mixed doubles title with Gabriela Dabrowski, solidifying his place among the sport’s elite. In 2024, he achieved one of the crowning moments of his career — winning the Australian Open men’s doubles title and becoming World No. 1 at the age of 43, a testament to his longevity, discipline, and unwavering passion for tennis.
Reflecting on his journey, Bopanna wrote:
“Starting my journey from a small town in Coorg — chopping wood to strengthen my serve, jogging through coffee estates to build stamina, and dreaming on cracked courts — to standing under the lights of the biggest arenas in the world, it all feels surreal. Tennis hasn’t just been a game for me; it gave me purpose when I was lost, strength when I was broken, and belief when the world doubted me.”
In a heartfelt message, he expressed deep gratitude to his parents, calling them his “heroes” for their sacrifices and unwavering faith. He also thanked his sister Rashmi for being his “cheerleader through every high and low,” and his wife Supriya, whom he described as his “greatest partner off court.”
“You’ve lived this journey with me — the long flights, sleepless nights, and moments I missed. You’ve carried our world with grace while I chased mine. Your love and strength are behind every success I’ve ever had,” he wrote.
Bopanna’s tribute to his daughter, Tridha, added a touching note:
“You’ve changed how I see everything. You gave me new purpose and softer strength. Every match I played these last years was for you — to show you that dreams are worth fighting for.”
He extended gratitude to his coaches, trainers, and teammates, particularly his long-time coach Scott, whom he credited as “mentor and friend for 12 incredible years” through every phase of his career.
Over the years, Bopanna reached five Grand Slam finals — one in men’s doubles (with Matthew Ebden at the 2023 US Open) and four in mixed doubles (including his French Open victory in 2017 with Dabrowski, and finals with Timea Babos and Sania Mirza).
“To my fellow players — thank you for the rivalries, respect, and brotherhood. To my fans — your love has been my fuel. Representing India has been the greatest honour of my life. Every serve, every match, every point — I played for that flag, for that feeling, for my country. Thank you, India.”
Bopanna concluded his post with a promise to give back to the sport that defined his life:
“I may be stepping away from competition, but my story with tennis isn’t over. This game gave me everything — now I want to help young dreamers from small towns believe that their beginnings don’t define their limits. With belief, hard work, and heart, anything is possible. My gratitude is endless, and my love for this game will never fade. This isn’t goodbye — it’s a thank you to everyone who shaped me, guided me, and supported me.”
With IANS inputs