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Rohan Bopanna is reportedly set to partner either N Sriram Balaji or Yuki Bhambri in the Paris Olympics, scheduled to take place from July 26 to August 11. Currently ranked No. 4 in men’s doubles in the world, the 44-year-old Bopanna can choose his partner, as per PTI. The All India Tennis Association (AITA) will discuss it and will most likely approve the veteran’s choice.
Balaji recently advanced to the semi-finals in Italy and went on to win the Cagliari Challenger with Germany’s Andre Begeman. Bhambri, on the other hand, qualified for the Bordeaux Challenger semi-finals and won the ATP 250 event in Munich back in April.
Anil Dhupar, the AITA Secretary General, said that the selection committee will consider Bopanna’s request and respect it before zeroing in on a final decision.
"Usually, it's the player's choice (to pick his partner). The selection committee will ask him about his choice and discuss that. Whoever Rohan wants to play with, will be considered positively," the Secretary General was quoted as saying to PTI.
Rohan Bopanna’s last chance at Olympic glory
Back in 2016, Bopanna partnered Sania Mirza in the mixed doubles category at the Rio Olympics. However, they lost in straight sets to Lucie Hradecká and Radek Stepanek in the bronze medal match. In the 2012 London Olympics, Bopanna was involved in a controversy after he, along with Mahesh Bhupathi, refused to partner the legendary Leander Paes.
Bopanna has had a great time while partnering Australia’s Matthew Ebden in several ATP events around the world. Earlier this year, he became the oldest No. 1 in the world after winning the Australian Open men’s doubles title with Ebden.
Back in March, Bopanna and Ebden won the Miami Open as well. Bopanna will look to carry on his good work when he takes part in the upcoming French Open. Yuki and Sumit Nagal are the other Indian participants at Roland Garros.
