The Karnataka State Lawn Tennis Association (KSLTA), in association with Serving Aces, hosted a heartfelt felicitation ceremony on Saturday at the KSLTA Lawns in Bengaluru to honour Rohan Bopanna a player whose career has not only produced historic milestones, but has fundamentally reshaped India’s place in world tennis.
The evening was less about numbers and trophies, and more about acknowledging a journey that spanned more than two decades at the highest level of the sport. Surrounded by family, friends, administrators and members of the tennis fraternity, Bopanna was celebrated as India’s most successful and influential professional in the Open Era, particularly in doubles, where he carved out a career of rare longevity and global relevance.
Bopanna’s resume speaks for itself. Grand Slam champion at the 2017 French Open in mixed doubles and the 2024 Australian Open in men’s doubles, he continued to defy convention well into his forties. In 2024, he achieved perhaps the most remarkable milestone of his career by becoming the oldest world No. 1 in men’s doubles a feat that underlined not just skill, but discipline, fitness and adaptability in a sport that relentlessly rewards youth.
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Across the ATP Tour, Bopanna collected over 25 doubles titles and reached multiple Grand Slam finals, consistently holding his own against the best pairs of his generation. What separated him from many of his peers, however, was his ability to evolve. From explosive power in his early years to tactical maturity and precision later on, Bopanna remained relevant in an era of constant change.
While his international achievements drew global recognition, his contributions to Indian tennis carry equal weight. For more than a decade, Bopanna was a pillar of India’s Davis Cup teams, representing the country in demanding home and away ties with distinction. Among his most celebrated moments was the 2010 Davis Cup World Group Playoff against Brazil in Chennai.
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Trailing 0–2, India looked on the brink of defeat before Bopanna produced a stirring singles win against Ricardo Mello, setting the stage for a dramatic 3–2 comeback that secured India’s place in the World Group. That performance remains etched in Davis Cup folklore and stands as a testament to his temperament under pressure.
Bopanna also represented India at multiple Olympic Games, ensuring the nation remained visible on the sport’s biggest stages even during periods when singles success was limited. His presence brought credibility and continuity to Indian tennis through transitional phases.
Born on 4 March 1980 in Coorg, Karnataka, Bopanna’s journey began far from the spotlight. Introduced to tennis at a young age, he later moved to Bengaluru in pursuit of structured training and competitive exposure. His early years on the professional circuit were shaped by perseverance rather than privilege, often competing with limited resources and minimal backing. Those formative experiences forged the resilience that would define his career.
Initially a singles player, Bopanna made a strategic transition to doubles a decision that proved transformative. His booming serve, aggressive net play and sharp tactical instincts made him a natural fit for the format. More importantly, he embraced the nuances of doubles at a time when Indian tennis had limited global presence in the discipline, eventually becoming a trailblazer for those who followed.
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Beyond his achievements on court, Bopanna’s influence has extended into the broader development of the sport. Through the Rohan Bopanna Tennis Development Foundation, he has worked actively at the grassroots level, focusing on talent identification, access to quality coaching and creating pathways for young Indian players to pursue professional careers. His commitment to giving back has been consistent, understated and impactful.
At the felicitation, Sunil Yajaman, Hon. Joint Secretary of KSLTA, highlighted how Bopanna’s professionalism, leadership and sustained excellence have set new benchmarks for Indian tennis players. More than results, it is his approach discipline, humility and work ethic that has inspired a generation of Indian doubles specialists to dream beyond national circuits and aim for the world tour.
The ceremony concluded with warm interactions between Bopanna and members of the tennis community, reflecting the respect he commands across generations. It was a fitting tribute to a career that transcended individual success.
Rohan Bopanna’s story is not just one of titles won or records broken. It is a narrative of belief, evolution and responsibility of a player who carried Indian tennis forward when pathways were uncertain, and who now continues to shape its future long after his biggest victories.
