Rohan Bopanna

Rohan Bopanna, born on March 4, 1980, in Bangalore, India, commenced his tennis journey at the age of 11. He turned professional in 2003, focusing primarily on doubles tennis where he has achieved significant success. Early in his career, he formed a notable partnership with Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi of Pakistan, known as the ‘IndoPak Express.’ This partnership saw them reach the final of the 2010 US Open, marking Bopanna’s first Grand Slam final appearance. His dedication through periods of injury early in his career, such as bicep and shoulder injuries in 2004-2005, did not deter his progression, as he continued to pursue success on the ATP Challenger Tour, winning multiple titles.

Bopanna’s career highlights include winning his first Grand Slam title in mixed doubles at the 2017 French Open alongside Gabriela Dabrowski, making him the fourth Indian major winner in tennis. A pivotal moment came in 2024 when he attained the world No. 1 ranking in men’s doubles after winning the Australian Open men’s doubles title with Matthew Ebden. This achievement made him the oldest first-time World No. 1 at 43 years old, showcasing remarkable longevity and perseverance in his sport. He has accumulated 26 doubles titles on the ATP Tour, including six at the Masters 1000 level.

Throughout his career, Bopanna has represented India in numerous international competitions, including the Davis Cup from 2002 to 2023 and the Olympic Games in 2012, 2016 (reaching 4th place in mixed doubles), and 2024. His consistent performance and sportsmanship have earned him several accolades, such as the Ekalavya Award in 2005, the Arjuna Award in 2019, and the Padma Shri in 2024, India’s fourth-highest civilian award. Beyond the court, Bopanna is recognized for his philanthropic efforts, supporting charitable organizations and promoting sportsmanship through initiatives like ‘Stop War Start Tennis.’