In an impressive display of synergy and skill, the newly formed doubles team of India’s Rohan Bopanna and America’s Ben Shelton commenced their partnership with a straight-sets victory at the 2025 Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters.
The duo overcame the South American pair of Francisco Cerundolo from Argentina and Alejandro Tabilo from Chile with a 6-3, 7-5 win in the opening round.
Match Analysis
The match began with Cerundolo and Tabilo breaking early, putting Bopanna and Shelton on the defensive. However, the Indo-American pair showcased resilience, breaking back and taking control to secure the first set 6-3.
In the second set, both teams held their serves tightly until Bopanna and Shelton managed a crucial break towards the end, sealing the set 7-5 and clinching the match.
A notable aspect of this match was Bopanna’s strategic shift to the ad side, deviating from his customary deuce side positioning. This adjustment appeared to enhance their court coverage and played a pivotal role in their victory.
Experience Meets Youth
The partnership between 45-year-old Rohan Bopanna and 22-year-old Ben Shelton is a fascinating blend of experience and youthful energy.
Bopanna, a seasoned doubles specialist, has an illustrious career highlighted by his Australian Open men’s doubles title in 2024, where he became the oldest man to win a Grand Slam in men’s doubles at the age of 43.
This achievement came after 61 attempts and with 19 different partners, underscoring his perseverance and dedication to the sport.
On the other hand, Shelton, primarily known for his singles prowess with a current ATP singles ranking of 14, brings a powerful serve and dynamic playstyle to the doubles court.
This partnership marks Shelton’s foray into high-level doubles competition, and his collaboration with Bopanna is seen as an opportunity to gain valuable experience and diversify his game.
Road Ahead
Following their first-round success, Bopanna and Shelton are set to face the third-seeded Italian duo of Simone Bolelli and Andrea Vavassori in the Round of 16. This upcoming match is anticipated to be a challenging encounter, as Bolelli and Vavassori have demonstrated consistent performance on the doubles circuit.
It’s worth noting that Bopanna and Vavassori have previously faced each other in significant matches. In the 2024 Australian Open men’s doubles final, Bopanna, partnering with Matthew Ebden, defeated the Italian pair of Bolelli and Vavassori to clinch the title. This history adds an extra layer of intrigue to the forthcoming match.
Indian Presence in ATP Doubles
India’s prominence in the ATP doubles circuit is on the rise, with seven players currently ranked within the top 100:
•Yuki Bhambri: Ranked 26th
•Rohan Bopanna: Ranked 44th
•Sriram Balaji: Ranked 60th
•Rithvik Bollipalli: Ranked 69th
•Arjun Kadhe: Ranked 93rd
•Jeevan Nedunchezhiyan: Ranked 95th
•Anirudh Chandrasekar: Ranked 100th
This collective achievement places India joint-third in terms of the number of players within the ATP Doubles Top 100, reflecting the country’s growing influence in the doubles domain.
Bopanna’s Recent Form
Rohan Bopanna’s recent performances have been a mix of highs and lows. After his historic Australian Open win in 2024, Bopanna experienced an early exit in the 2025 Australian Open, where he partnered with Nicolas Barrientos. The duo faced a first-round defeat against the Spanish pair of Pedro Martinez and Jaume Munar, with a scoreline of 7-5, 7-6.
Despite this setback, Bopanna’s resilience is evident in his continued pursuit of excellence on the court. His partnership with Shelton at the Monte-Carlo Masters signifies his adaptability and commitment to competing at the highest level.
Shelton’s Transition to Doubles
Ben Shelton’s decision to venture into doubles, especially with a partner of Bopanna’s caliber, indicates his intent to broaden his skill set. Known for his formidable serve and aggressive baseline play, Shelton’s attributes complement Bopanna’s strategic net play and experience.
This combination has the potential to create a formidable team capable of challenging the top pairs on the circuit.
Looking Ahead
The initial success of Bopanna and Shelton’s partnership at the Monte-Carlo Masters sets an optimistic tone for their collaboration. As they prepare to face higher-seeded opponents, their blend of experience and youthful energy will be crucial in navigating the challenges ahead. Fans and analysts alike will be keenly observing how this Indo-American duo progresses in the tournament.
In the broader context, Bopanna’s enduring presence in the sport serves as an inspiration, highlighting the longevity and dedication required to compete at the top level. For Shelton, this partnership offers a platform to develop his doubles game, potentially adding a new dimension to his already promising career.
As the Monte-Carlo Masters unfolds, the tennis community will be watching closely to see if this partnership can evolve into a consistent force on the ATP doubles circuit.
