Kolkata : Indian Tennis Legend Rohan Bopanna has announced international retirement following his loss in Paris Olympics in 1st Round Tennis Doubles along with Sriram Balaji against French pair Edouard Roger-Vasselin and Gael Monfils in straight sets.
Bopanna’s statement about retirement :
“This will definitely go down as my last event for the country. I totally understand where I am and now, I am just going to be enjoying the tennis circuit as long as that goes,” the 44-year-old said.
Bopanna recalled his 22 years long career playing in court for since 2002 and said he is proud for representing his nation.
“This is already a big bonus for where I am. I never even thought that I’ll be representing India for two decades. Right from 2002, making my debut and 22 years later still getting to represent India. I’m extremely proud of that,” the tennis legend added.
Best Moment in National colours for Bopanna
Bopanna recalled the win against Brazil icon Ricardo Mello in Davies Cup 2010 as his best moment in National colours.
“That is definitely the one in Davis Cup history. That is by far my best moment, no question that that one in Chennai and then winning that five-setter doubles in Bangalore against Serbia.”
“Playing with Lee, with Hesh as a captain. At that time, it was the best team atmosphere, team camaraderie. we had with Somdev (Devverman) and me playing singles and all of us going and fighting it out, it was incredible”, he added.
What does Bopanna’s retirement mean?
The exit of the Tennis legend means he won’t represent India at Asian Games 2026.
Bopanna brought India closest to Olympics Medal in 2016 Rio Olympics,where his and Sania Mirza duo finished 4th. This was closest since Leander Peas’ 1996 Bronze at Atlanta.
Bopanna is the oldest player to achieve World Number 1 ranking , defeating Matthew Ebden in Australian Open 2024 in Doubles.
