After 61 attempts, paired with 19 different partners, Rohan Bopanna won his first men’s doubles Grand Slam title, marking another milestone in his career.
Rohan Bopanna Breaks Through, Wins
At the age of 43, the Indian player, who became the oldest to win a men’s doubles number one title, has now also achieved the record of being the oldest winner of a major men’s doubles title at the Australian Open.
On Saturday, he and Matthew Ebden won 7–6 (7–0) 7–5 over Italians Simone Bolelli and Andrea Vavasori in the final.
Bopanna declared, “[It’s] the pinnacle of my career.”
“I am at the peak of my tennis game like never before.”
Bopanna has now topped the Open Era list for most attempts before winning a men’s doubles Grand Slam title, surpassing American Rajeev Ram’s record of 58 attempts.
At the age of 43 years and 329 days, he became the oldest person to win a Grand Slam doubles championship.
Since partnering with Australian Ebden early last year, he has achieved several milestones, most notably becoming the oldest Masters champion, the oldest finalist at a Grand Slam and the oldest player to win an ATP Finals Are.
Bopanna set to regain the world top ranking on Monday, jubilantly threw his racket skyward and fell on his back. He beat his chest while celebrating with Ebden after winning in Melbourne.
Ebden described his partner as spirited, victorious, and resilient.
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Bopanna won the Australian Open men’s doubles event in his 17th attempt, equaling the record of fellow Indian player Leander Paes.
During the trophy presentation, Bopanna revealed that a few years ago he had considered quitting the game.
Bopanna mentioned that he had sent a video message announcing his decision to retire for a day due to his inability to achieve wins. He and Ebden are set to split the prize money of AUD 730,000 (£377,700).
“I consider your continued perseverance the driving force behind my journey. Through many changes and discoveries, I have found an incredible partner, and for that, I am truly grateful.”
“Beyond Age: Bopanna’s Career Milestones”
- In 2009, he clinched his inaugural ATP doubles championship alongside his American counterpart, Eric Butorac.
- In 2010, he made his debut in a Grand Slam men’s doubles final at the US Open alongside Pakistan’s Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi.
- 2011 marked his entrance into the top 10 rankings in doubles.
- In 2012, they clinched their inaugural Masters doubles title alongside fellow countryman Mahesh Bhupathi, securing a spot as finalists in the ATP World Tour Finals.
- In 2017, he clinched his inaugural mixed doubles Grand Slam championship at the French Open, teaming up with Canada’s Gabriela Dabrowski.
- In 2023, he clinched the title of the oldest Masters champion alongside Ebden, made history as the oldest finalist at a Grand Slam by reaching the US Open final, and shattered records as the oldest player to secure a victory at the ATP Finals.
- In the third round of the Australian Open, Bopanna achieved his 500th doubles victory, setting a remarkable milestone. At the age of 43 years and 329 days, he made history by becoming the oldest man to secure a Grand Slam doubles title. On Monday, just two days later, at 43 years and 331 days, he is set to claim the top spot in the men’s doubles rankings, marking another extraordinary achievement in his career.
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