Veteran Indian tennis star Rohan Bopanna, a two-time Grand Slam champion, introduced his retirement from skilled tennis on Saturday.
Bopanna, who has been one in every of India’s most celebrated doubles specialists, loved an illustrious profession spanning over twenty years. He captured his first Grand Slam title in 2017, profitable the French Open combined doubles crown alongside Gabriela Dabrowski. In 2024, he created historical past as soon as once more by clinching the Australian Open males’s doubles title with Matthew Ebden, turning into one of many oldest Grand Slam winners within the Open Period.
The 44-year-old took to social media to share his resolution, expressing gratitude to his followers, companions, and the Indian tennis fraternity for his or her unwavering assist all through his journey.
Bopanna’s retirement marks the top of an period for Indian tennis, as he leaves behind a legacy of perseverance, ardour, and excellence on the worldwide stage.
“How do you bid farewell to one thing that gave your life its which means? After 20 unforgettable years on tour, it is time I am formally hanging up my racquet. From chopping wooden in Coorg to strengthen my serve, to standing underneath the lights of the largest arenas on this planet – it feels surreal. Representing India has been the best honor of my life,” Bopanna wrote.
“I could also be stepping away from competitors, however my story with tennis is not over. This recreation gave me the whole lot and now, I wish to give again to assist younger dreamers from small cities consider that their beginnings do not outline their limits. That with perception, laborious work, and coronary heart – something is feasible. My gratitude is limitless and my love for this stunning recreation won’t ever fade. This is not goodbye… it is a thanks to everybody who formed me, guided me, You are all part of me,” he added on X (previously generally known as Twitter).
“Representing India has been the best honor of my life, and each time I stepped on court docket, I performed for that flag, that feeling, that satisfaction,” he wrote on social media.
Bopanna performed his ultimate skilled match on the Paris Masters 1000, teaming up with Alexander Bublik for the match.