Rohan Bopanna, the seasoned Indian doubles specialist, etched his name in the annals of tennis history today by becoming the oldest Grand Slam champion ever in the Men's Doubles category. At the age of 43, Bopanna, along with his Australian partner Matthew Ebden, defeated the formidable duo of Ivan Dodig and Filip Polášek in the Australian Open 2024 Men's Doubles Final, clinching a 7-6(7), 7-5 victory.
This triumph marks Bopanna's maiden Australian Open title and his second Grand Slam crown overall, having previously conquered the French Open mixed doubles title in 2017. However, it is his age that makes this feat truly remarkable. Bopanna surpasses the previous record held by Ken McGregor, who clinched the Wimbledon Gentlemen's Doubles title in 1935 at the age of 42.
Bopanna and Ebden, dubbed the "Indo-Aus Express," displayed exceptional teamwork and resilience throughout the tournament. They ousted top seeds Nikola Mektić and Kevin Krawietz in the quarterfinals and overcame a stern challenge from Rajeev Ram and Joe Salisbury in the semifinals before sealing their historic victory in the final.
Bopanna's journey to this historic achievement has been one of dedication and perseverance. Despite facing setbacks and injuries throughout his career, he has remained committed to his craft and continued to defy age by maintaining his fitness and sharpening his skills. His powerful serve, deft volleying, and strategic acumen have made him a formidable force on the doubles court.
This victory is not just a personal triumph for Bopanna but also a significant moment for Indian tennis. Bopanna's success has inspired a generation of young players and ignited the nation's passion for the sport. His story serves as a testament to the power of hard work, resilience, and the unwavering pursuit of dreams.
Bopanna's historic win has sent shockwaves through the tennis world, with accolades pouring in from fans, fellow players, and legends of the sport. This victory is undoubtedly a watershed moment in tennis history, and Bopanna's name will forever be etched in the sport's golden pantheon.
