New Delhi, India — One of the most enduring figures in Indian tennis, Rohan Bopanna, has announced his retirement from professional sport, bringing to a close a remarkable two-decade-long career that was highlighted by two Grand Slam titles and a historic stint as World No. 1.
The 45-year-old’s final professional match came at the Paris Masters, where he and his partner, Alexander Bublik, bowed out in the Round of 32. Bopanna leaves the game having earned a reputation for his booming serve, aggressive net play, and exceptional longevity in a physically demanding sport.
A Career Defined by Resilience and Records
Bopanna’s career saw him script some of the most inspiring stories in Indian sports:
- World No. 1 at 43: In 2024, Bopanna made history by winning the Australian Open men’s doubles title and ascending to the World No. 1 ranking at the age of 43, becoming the oldest player ever to achieve the top ranking in men’s doubles.
- Grand Slam Success: He captured his first Grand Slam title in 2017 with the French Open mixed doubles trophy, partnering with Gabriela Dabrowski. He also reached four other Grand Slam finals throughout his career.
- A Symbol of Perseverance: In his farewell message on social media, titled “A Goodbye… But Not The End,” Bopanna reflected on his journey, starting from a small town of Coorg, India, and chasing his dreams on “cracked courts” to standing on the biggest arenas in the world. He credited the sport for teaching him “perseverance and resilience.”
Future Plans
While Bopanna is stepping away from competitive play, he made it clear that his relationship with tennis is not over. “I may be stepping away from competition, but my story with tennis isn’t over,” he stated, hinting at future roles, potentially in mentoring or developing the sport in India.
His retirement marks the end of an era for Indian tennis, with Bopanna having served as a pillar of the country’s presence on the ATP Tour, consistently representing India at the Davis Cup and the Olympic Games.
