NEW DELHI: The 43-year-old Rohan Bopanna on Saturday etched his name in the history books by becoming the oldest man in the Open Era to secure a major men's doubles crown.
Partnering with Australia's Matthew Ebden, Bopanna claimed the Australian Open trophy with a dominating performance, defeating Italians Simone Bolelli and Andrea Vavassori 7-6(0), 7-5 at Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne.
Just three days after ascending to the top of the world rankings, Bopanna, who had initially decided to retire from the sport two years ago, has achieved a remarkable feat. He now holds the distinction of being the oldest Grand Slam champion in the Open Era, dating back to 1968.
In a show of admiration for the Indian tennis star, notable figures in Indian sports such as Sachin Tendulkar, VVS Laxman, and Virender Sehwag showered praise on Bopanna for his remarkable achievement.
After India's ace tennis player won the Australian Open men's doubles crown at 43, legendary cricketer Tendulkar gave Bopanna's victory as an example that anyone's "moment can arrive anytime, anywhere."
"Your moment can arrive anytime, anywhere. Just ask @rohanbopanna, who at 43, seized it on the grand stage of the @AustralianOpen. Keep training, keep dreaming and be prepared to step up when your time comes," Tendulkar posted on X.
Former India opener Sehwag lavished praise on Bopanna for creating history.
"What a story. What an inspiration @rohanbopanna. Congratulations on becoming the #AusOpen Doubles Champion," Sehwag tweeted.
Union Sports Minister Anurag Thakur hailed Bopanna's historic achievement and said the victory will inspire sportspersons across ages.
"Champions: Played Like One & Won it like One Huge applause to @rohanbopanna and @mattebden for clinching their 1st Grand Slam as a duo- #AO2024 Men's Doubles Title! Rohan Bopanna, defying odds at winning his maiden #AusOpen title & his first-ever Men's Doubles Grand Slam; Emerging as the oldest man to win a Grand Slam & attaining the pinnacle as the Oldest Men's Doubles World No. 1 A feat that will inspire our sportspersons across ages! Congratulations once again!" Thakur posted on X.
Former Indian cricketer VVS Laxman congratulated "inspirational" Bopanna and said
"Not age but the spirit that defines us. Many congratulations Rohan Bopanna & Matthew Ebden on winning the Australian Open Doubles title. Truly inspirational @rohanbopanna#AusOpen2024," Laxman posted on X.
Former India spinner Anil Kumble also lauded the tennis ace's win and wrote, "Heartiest congratulations @rohanbopanna and Matt Ebden for winning the Australian Open Doubles title!"
It is the first time Bopanna has won a major title, having lost in finals at the US Open in 2010 and 2023.
Rohan Bopanna creates history, becomes oldest Grand Slam champion
In the summit clash, Bopanna and Ebden dominated on serve throughout the one-hour, 40-minute match, winning 80 per cent (40/50) of games with their first delivery and not facing a break point to top off a fantastic week.
The 43-year-old is the third Indian man in the Open Era to win a major men's doubles title, following Leander Paes and Mahesh Bhupathi. On Monday, he will become the oldest top-ranked player in the ATP Doubles Rankings.
This was Bopanna's second Grand Slam triumph, his first in men's doubles. His previous Grand Slam victory came in mixed doubles with Gabriela Dabrowski of Canada at the 2017 French Open.
(With inputs from ANI)The TOI Sports Desk excels in a myriad of roles that capture the ...
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