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Rohan Bopanna, one of the legends of Indian tennis, unfortunately, appeared only a shadow of himself in the men’s doubles event at the Paris 2024 Olympics. The much-accomplished player lost his men’s doubles event along with partner Sriram Balaji to the French pair of Gael Monfils and Edouard Roger-Vasselin.
The loss, which came in the opening round of the men’s doubles, saw Rohan Bopanna being knocked out of the event in Paris. The 44-year-old failed to make a good start in the opening set. Bopanna along with his partner conceded an early break and went down 2-4. However, they did come back in the set to make it 5-5 before eventually losing it.
Given the experience and the pedigree of Rohan, he was expected to lift the confidence of his teammates in their bid to fight back. However, the second set turned out to be even worse. Bopanna and Balaji found themselves in trouble yet again after dropping their serve early.
The French duo did not give the Indians a chance to come back this time as they closed the set 6-2 in their favor. India eventually lost the game 5-7, 2-6. Rohan Bopanna seemed visibly disappointed with an uncharacteristically poor display in what would be his last Olympics appearance.
Rohan Bopanna announces retirement from Indian Tennis
A disappointing campaign in Paris would not take away much from Rohan Bopanna’s sensational career in the sport. Post the loss, Rohan announced his retirement from Indian tennis and would not be representing the country in any event anymore.
Bopanna had a 22-year-long career representing the nation on the global stage. The ace player has plenty of silverware in his cabinet. He is a two-time Grand Slam champion and a three-time Olympian (2012, 2016, 2024). Bopanna along with Sania Mirza came in touching distance to a podium finish at the 2016 Rio Olympics where they finished 4th in the mixed-doubles event.
The celebrated Indian athlete has won 26 ATP doubles titles and is an Arjuna Awardee. He also became the oldest man to reach the World No. 1 ranking in doubles in 2024.
