Rohan Bopanna has announced his retirement, drawing the curtain on a remarkable 22-year professional tennis career that spans juniors, Futures circuits, the ATP Tour, Grand Slams and Olympic appearances. The Coorg-born player, known for his towering serve and unflinching determination, became a rare example of longevity, reaching top levels well into his 40s.
Reflecting on the journey, Sania Mirza, with whom he first paired in the year 2000 when she was just 14 and he 20, described him as a “gentle giant”. She noted that their first title together sowed the seeds of a lifelong friendship. She recalled being intimidated by his stature and serve, only to learn over two decades that beneath the power lay humility, kindness and an unfaltering spirit.
Beyond his strong partnerships, Bopanna’s achievements are historic: he became the oldest men’s doubles Grand Slam champion, reached world No. 1 in doubles, and carved a niche beyond India’s borders. His path inspires for what it says about persistence, how late-career peaks are possible, how preparation and mindset matter, and how character endures beyond results. With his exit, Indian tennis says goodbye to one of its enduring figures, but his legacy, partnership, memories and impact will echo for years to come.
