MELBOURNE: Rohan Bopanna etched his name in the annals of Indian tennis history by clinching the men's doubles Grand Slam title at the Australian Open alongside partner Matthew Ebden. In a thrilling final showdown at Melbourne's Rod Laver Arena, the second-seeded duo emerged victorious, defeating Simone Bolelli and Andrea Vavassori with a commanding scoreline of 7-6(0), 7-5.
This triumph marks Bopanna as only the third Indian to secure a men's doubles Grand Slam title, following in the footsteps of legendary players Leander Paes and Mahesh Bhupathi. The victory also distinguishes Bopanna as the oldest Grand Slam champion in men's tennis at the age of 43, surpassing the previous record held by Jean-Julien Rojer.
Bopanna, already a Grand Slam winner in mixed doubles at the 2017 French Open, showcased his prowess on the court in a hard-fought battle. The final, lasting one hour and 39 minutes, saw a high-quality display of tennis with only one break of serve in the 11th game of the second set.
The experienced duo of Bopanna and Ebden strategically navigated the contest, facing few break points and capitalizing on crucial moments. The Italians, Bolelli and Vavassori, fought valiantly, saving break points early in the match, but succumbed to the relentless pressure exerted by the second-seeded pair.
This victory not only adds another Grand Slam title to Bopanna's illustrious career but also elevates him to the coveted number one spot in the ATP rankings, making him the oldest player to achieve this feat. Bopanna's win at the Australian Open is a testament to his enduring skill and the continued legacy of Indian tennis on the global stage.
With this historic triumph, Rohan Bopanna has not only etched his name in the record books but has also paved the way for a new era in Indian men's doubles tennis.