In fantastic news from the Australian Open 2024, Rohan Bopanna has achieved the remarkable feat of becoming the World No. 1 in men’s doubles, creating history as the oldest player to do so at the age of 43. His former mixed-doubles partner, the legendary Indian tennis player Sania Mirza, expressed her joy on social media, saying, “So proud Ro, no one deserves it more.”
Bopanna, along with his Australian partner Matthew Ebden, secured their spot in the semi-finals with a straight-set victory (6-4, 7-6) over the sixth-seeded Argentinian pair Maximo Gonzalez and Andres Molteni. This win not only marked a historic achievement for Bopanna but also brought him a step closer to clinching the coveted Australian Open title.
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This isn’t the first time Bopanna and Mirza have made headlines together. In the Australian Open 2023 mixed doubles, they reached the final, adding to their impressive collaborative history in tennis.
Bopanna’s journey to the top-ranking position began in October 2022 when he surpassed the record previously held by Rajeev Ram of the USA, achieving the top rank at the age of 38. Now, in 2024, he has reclaimed the spotlight with his partner Ebden, storming into the semi-finals of the men’s doubles.
Reflecting on his historic accomplishment, Bopanna expressed gratitude to his team and partner in an on-court interview, saying, “I want to thank my team who are here; they have definitely been through some tough moments. The career high was in 2013, and you know, you have got to keep going. What can you say? Never hold back, so thanks to all of them. And most of all, thanks to my partner Matt, who I will get this ranking with. So, truly special, and you know it is always going to be a fantastic memory here.”
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As Bopanna and Ebden gear up for the semi-finals against the unseeded duo of Zhang Zhizhen and Tomas Machac, fans around the world are eagerly anticipating more thrilling performances from this dynamic pair. The Australian Open 2024 has indeed become a stage for celebrating not only individual achievements but also the enduring spirit of partnership and sportsmanship in the world of tennis.
