Experienced Indian tennis player Rohan Bopanna has announced his retirement. After facing defeat in the first round of men’s doubles of Paris Olympics, he has announced his retirement and said that he has played his last match for India. Bopanna wanted to end his career on a better note for the country, but he is proud of the many great successes he has achieved in his 22-year long career. However, he will continue playing professional tennis.
The men’s doubles pair of Bopanna and N Sriram Balaji lost 5-7, 2-6 to the French pair of Edward Roger Vaselin and Gael Monfils in a match played under mild light here on Sunday night. With the defeat of this pair, India’s Olympic medal drought in tennis continued after 1996. Veteran Leander Paes won the bronze medal in men’s singles at the Atlanta Olympics. Bopanna came close to ending this drought in 2016, but the pair of him and Sania Mirza finished fourth in the mixed event.
“This was definitely my last tournament for the country,” Bopanna said, ruling himself out of the 2026 Asian Games. I completely understand the situation I am in. Now I will enjoy tennis whenever I can play.” He has already announced his retirement from Davis Cup. “Where I am is already a big bonus for me,” he said with a smile on his face. I never imagined that I would represent India for two decades. I started my career in 2002 and even after 22 years, I am getting a chance to represent India. I am extremely proud of it.”
Bopanna said that his most memorable match for the national team was the fifth Davis Cup match against Brazil in 2010. “This is definitely one in Davis Cup history,” he said. That is my best moment so far, there is no doubt that moment in Chennai and then winning the match against Serbia in Bangalore in five sets were also memorable moments.
He further said, “The atmosphere of the team at that time was great. Playing with Lee (Leander Paes), playing with Hesh (Mahesh Bhupathi) as captain, it was an amazing experience. At that time, Somdev (Devavarman) and I played singles and we all competed with all our heart, it was unbelievable. Of course, winning his first men’s doubles Grand Slam and becoming world number one has been a huge achievement. I am grateful to my wife (Supriya), who has made a lot of sacrifices in this journey.
Bopanna has been helping the doubles players at his level and he would not mind if he gets a chance to be involved in the governance of AITA (All India Tennis Association) in future. “I’ll definitely look at those positions when I’m ready to do it,” he said. I am currently competing and travelling, so I cannot take on this kind of responsibility right now. I will not be able to give my 100 percent commitment to it at this time.
Bopanna said that the presence of Monfils in the French team in the Olympic match made his task difficult. Monfils replaced Fabien Reball at the last minute. “Monfils told me it was his best doubles match,” he said. After playing a single match, he had excellent control over the ball in this match also. He was hitting fast and serving brilliantly.”
The French pair also received great support from the local fans. The spectators present in the stadium were continuously cheering their players. Bopanna said, “I don’t think I have ever played Davis Cup in India in such an environment. The fans were singing, making noise, jumping. I have seen this often in Europe and South America in the Davis Cup.
He said, “The spectators were boosting the morale of their players but were completely respectful of the fact that a tennis match was being played.” Balaji lost his serve at a crucial time, due to which he was disappointed with himself but Bopanna Said that his partner played very well. “I told him he should be extremely proud of the way he played. There are some things he can definitely work on and take this as a great example moving forward.”
