Rohan Bopanna’s Story
From Humble Beginnings to Global Success
Rohan Bopanna’s journey in tennis is one of perseverance, skill, and immense dedication. Born on March 4, 1980, in Bangalore, India, Bopanna was introduced to tennis at a young age. Coming from a modest background, his natural talent and passion for the sport quickly set him apart, and he began playing professionally in the late 1990s.
Early Years: Bopanna’s breakthrough into the professional tennis scene came in 2003 when he won his first ATP doubles title in New Delhi. He initially focused on singles but soon realized that his success lay in doubles, where his powerful serve and strong net play became key weapons.
Climbing the Ranks :In 2007, Bopanna’s doubles game began to gain momentum, with several key victories that moved him into the top 50 of the ATP rankings.
Glorious Career & Achievements: Rohan Bopanna is one of India's most successful tennis players, renowned for his exceptional achievements in doubles tennis. Bopanna reached a career-high ATP doubles ranking of World No. 1 in the year 2024 making him one of the best doubles players of his generation. His most significant career achievement came in 2017 when he won the French Open mixed doubles title alongside Canada’s Gabriela Dabrowski, marking his first Grand Slam victory. He attained the world No. 1 ranking after winning his first major doubles title at the 2024 Australian Open with Matthew Ebden, becoming the oldest first-time No. 1 at the age of 43.
Apart from his Grand Slam success, Bopanna has clinched multiple ATP doubles titles, including notable victories at the 2010 Paris Masters and the 2017 Dubai Tennis Championships. He has consistently been a key player for India in Davis Cup ties, playing a vital role in the team’s successes over the years.
Bopanna has represented India at the Olympics, competing in three Olympics, the 2008 Beijing, 2016 Rio Games(4th Place) and 2024 Paris Games . In addition to his on-court achievements, he has received several honors, including the Padma Shri, India's fourth-highest civilian award, for his contributions to Indian tennis. Known for his leadership, sportsmanship, and philanthropic efforts, Bopanna has been instrumental in popularizing tennis in India and inspiring the next generation of players.