Bopanna retires, ends two-decade Tennis journey

Indian tennis legend Rohan Bopanna, one of the country’s most enduring and decorated players, has announced his retirement from professional tennis, closing the curtain on a remarkable 22-year journey that took him from the coffee estates of Coorg to the grandest courts of the world.

The 45-year-old, who stood as a symbol of perseverance and longevity in Indian sport, made his final ATP Tour appearance at the Paris Masters earlier this week alongside Alexander Bublik, where the pair bowed out in the opening round.

In an emotional farewell note titled “A Goodbye… But Not The End,” Bopanna reflected on his life in tennis, calling it “a journey that gave my life its meaning.”

“From chopping wood in Coorg to strengthen my serve to playing under the lights of the biggest arenas it all feels surreal,” he wrote.

A trailblazer for Indian doubles tennis, Bopanna carved out a legacy built on power, passion and persistence. Known for his booming serve and calm demeanor, he became the oldest ATP Masters 1000 champion when he clinched the Indian Wells title in 2023 with Australian partner Matthew Ebden.

The following year, he created history again, winning the Australian Open men’s doubles title in 2024, his first Grand Slam in that category, and became the oldest world No. 1 in doubles at 43.

Bopanna’s first taste of Grand Slam glory came in 2017, when he captured the French Open mixed doubles crown with Canada’s Gabriela Dabrowski.

He also represented India with distinction in the Davis Cup, Grand Slams, and multiple Olympic Games, embodying the spirit of Indian tennis for over two decades.

In his farewell note, Bopanna thanked those who shaped his journey, his parents for their sacrifices, his sister Rashmi for her constant encouragement, and his wife Supriya, whom he called his “greatest partner off court.” He dedicated a special message to his daughter Tridha, saying she gave him “new purpose and softer strength.”

“Every match I played in these last years, I played for you to show you that dreams are worth fighting for and that kindness matters more than winning,” he wrote.

Though stepping away from competition, Bopanna isn’t leaving tennis behind. He remains committed to developing the sport in India, recently bringing the UTR Pro Tennis Tour to the country and supporting several grassroots initiatives.

As Indian tennis turns to a new chapter, Rohan Bopanna’s legacy defined by grit, grace, and greatness will continue to inspire generations to come.