Rohan Bopanna bids farewell to tennis, ending a glorious career with two Grand Slam titles

It was fitting that Rohan Bopanna’s final bow came not in silence, but in applause.

The crowd at the ATP Finals in Turin rose to its feet — not just for a match, but for a man who redefined longevity, perseverance, and the spirit of Indian tennis. At 45, Bopanna officially announced his retirement from professional tennis on Saturday, ending a remarkable career that spanned more than two decades, two Grand Slam titles, and countless memories across continents.

“I’ve lived my dream longer than I ever thought I would,” Bopanna said in his farewell note. “Now, it’s time to step aside and make room for the next generation of Indian players to chase theirs.”

From Coorg to Centre Court
Born in Coorg, Karnataka, Bopanna’s rise was far from overnight. Starting out on clay courts surrounded by coffee estates, he dreamed of wearing India’s colours on global stages. While singles success eluded him, doubles became his calling — a format where his booming serve, calm temperament, and fierce competitiveness found full expression.

He first made waves partnering with Pakistan’s Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi, with the duo famously earning the moniker ‘Indo-Pak Express’. Their run to the 2010 US Open final transcended sport — sending a message of peace, friendship, and shared passion that resonated far beyond tennis.

The Grand Slam Highs
It took years of persistence before Bopanna finally broke through at the Grand Slam stage. In 2017, partnering with Gabriela Dabrowski, he lifted his first major — the French Open mixed doubles title.

Then, in 2024, came the crowning moment — the Australian Open men’s doubles title, alongside Australia’s Matthew Ebden. At 43, Bopanna became the oldest Grand Slam champion in the Open Era, an achievement that stunned even his peers.

“That win was for every athlete who’s been told they’re too old,” he had said then, smiling through tears. “If you love the game enough, age really is just a number.”

A Captain, A Mentor, A Constant
Beyond the trophies, Bopanna’s biggest legacy may be what he gave back. A Davis Cup mainstay for India since 2002, he embodied commitment and pride every time he stepped on court for the tricolour.

Off it, he helped shape the country’s next generation — mentoring doubles specialists, guiding younger players through his academy in Bengaluru, and constantly championing Indian tennis on global platforms.

His partnership with Ebden in the final phase of his career brought consistency and renewed energy, turning him into a doubles powerhouse even in his 40s. “Rohan has the enthusiasm of a rookie and the wisdom of a veteran,” Ebden once said. “He’s proof that passion outlasts everything else.”

A Farewell, Not a Goodbye
Bopanna’s retirement doesn’t mean the end of his tennis journey. He plans to remain involved with the sport — through coaching, grassroots programmes, and perhaps even commentary.

His influence stretches beyond his numbers — 2 Grand Slam titles, 24 ATP Tour trophies, 4 Olympic appearances, and over 100 Davis Cup matches — to the inspiration he offered: that perseverance can outlast age, and passion can rewrite limits.

As he waved one final time to a cheering crowd in Turin, it wasn’t the end of a story — just the start of a new chapter.

“I’m leaving the court,” he said, “but tennis will never leave me.”