Indian tennis icon Rohan Bopanna has bid farewell to professional tennis after a stellar 20-year career. His last match was at the Paris Masters. Bopanna made history this year as the oldest Grand Slam winner and world number one in doubles. During his trip, he expressed immense pride in representing India. Rohan Bopanna has announced his retirement from professional tennis after a remarkable 22-year career. His last match was at the Paris Masters 1000, where he played doubles with Alexander Bublik. Earlier this year, Bopanna made history by becoming the oldest Grand Slam winner and the oldest world number one in doubles tennis.“How do you say goodbye to something that has given meaning to your life? After 20 unforgettable years on tour, it’s time… I’m officially hanging up my racket,” said Bopanna in his emotional retirement announcement. He added, “Representing India was the greatest honor of my life and every time I stepped on the court I played for that flag, that feeling, that pride.”The 45-year-old Bopanna ended his career with two Grand Slam titles – the men’s doubles at the 2024 Australian Open (with Matthew Ebden) and the mixed doubles at the 2017 French Open (with Gabriela Dabrowski). He has also reached the finals of four Grand Slam finals – two in men’s doubles (with Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi at the 2020 US Open and Ebden at the 2023 US Open) and two in mixed doubles (with Timea Babos at the 2018 Australian Open and Sania Mirza at the 2023 Australian Open).
Rohan Bopanna’s social media post.
He also reached the finals of the last year’s ATP Finals in 2012 and 2015 along with Mahesh Bhupathi and Florin Mergea.
Bopann’s journey began from humble beginnings in Coorg, India, where he chopped wood to gain strength for his serves and ran through coffee estates to improve his stamina. His determination has seen him compete at the highest levels of tennis, including finishing fourth at the 2016 Rio Olympics with Sania Mirza and representing India in Davis Cup matches for over two decades.Even after retirement, Bopanna continues to shape tennis in India. He brought UTR Tennis Pro to the country and runs his academy to help develop young Indian tennis talent. Its academy focuses on creating opportunities for up-and-coming players to reach the international stage.Social boredom full media release:“A Goodbye… But Not The End. How do you say goodbye to something that has given your life meaning? However, after 20 unforgettable years on tour, it’s time to… officially hang up my racket.” As I write this, my heart is heavy and grateful at the same time. Starting the journey from the small town of Coorg, India, chopping wood blocks to strengthen my serve, running through coffee estates to gain stamina and chasing dreams on cracked courts to standing under the lights of the biggest arenas in the world – it all feels surreal. Tennis wasn’t just a game to me – it gave me meaning when I was lost, strength when I was broken, and faith when the world doubted me. Every time I stepped on the court, it taught me perseverance, resilience to get up, to fight again when everything inside me said I couldn’t – and most of all, it reminded me why I started and who I am.”
