The Australian Open men’s doubles champions, Rohan Bopanna and Matthew Ebden, defeated Simone Bolelli and Andrea Vavassori of Italy 7-6 (0), 7-5.Following their victory over Italy’s Simone Bolelli and Andrea Vavassori in the men’s doubles final, Australia’s Matthew Ebden and India’s Rohan Bopanna pose with the trophy.
Regarding his tennis career, Rohan Bopanna was uncertain four years ago. Veteran of the Davis Cup, mixed doubles Grand Slam winner, and former world no. 3 in doubles, Bopanna’s career was in decline as he approached his forties due to a series of medical problems that had destroyed the cartilage in both of his knees. He responded to making history at the Australian Open on Saturday, perfectly capturing the feelings that drove his four-year odyssey from the verge of retirement to his late-career upswing due to a revitalising workout routine and an unlikely ideal alliance.
The 43-year-old from Coorg defeated the Italian duo of Simone Bolelli and Andrea Vavassori 7-6 (0), 7-5 to win his first men’s doubles Grand Slam title with Australian partner Matthew Ebden. With a straightforward putaway overhead volley to seal the victory, Bopanna lost his balance and gave the pair their trademark howling chest bump, which was inappropriate given the Indian’s generally composed and well-mannered demeanour. He is currently the oldest men’s tennis player in the Open Era to win a Grand Slam championship at 43. He had also guaranteed that he would be the oldest World No. 1 in tennis history earlier this week. With the same number of points but more tournament experience, Ebden will behind him.
Speaking on the court following his title victory, Bopanna expressed his feelings perfectly. I sent my wife a video message a few years back, in which I said I was going to call it a day. I didn’t win a match for five months,” he remarked. But I persisted because I had the perseverance within me. I’m happy I was able to find a great partner, make so many changes, and accomplish that.
At the end of a difficult season and with few other alternatives in the locker room, Ebden and Bopanna struck up an odd friendship at the close of 2022. However, they were successful right away.
