Paris Olympics 2024: Indian tennis legend Rohan Bopanna has dropped a bombshell of a news, as he announces his retirement from the international duty. The 44-year old has officially called Paris Olympics 2024 as his last tournament in an India shirt, with him now solely focusing on ATP Tour Events. With the confirmation of his retirement, it is now official that the veteran will not be representing the nation at the Asian Games 2026 in Aicihi-Nagoya.
Rohan Bopanna is India's oldest athlete at this year's Games and with his shocking early exit alongside partner N Sriram Balaji against French duo of Edouard Roger-Vasselin and Gael Monfils in Men's Doubles' Round 1 event, he now draws curtains over an iconic and legendary career, which spanned over two decades with lots of success and memories.
The Indian tennis circuit will surely miss Rohan Bopanna's presence in the dresssing room, but he leaves behind a great legacy for the upcoming stars to learn from.
Rohan Bopanna's Official Announcement Of His Retirement, As Reported By PTI
"This will definitely go down as my last event for the country. I totally understand where I am and now, I am just going to be enjoying the tennis circuit as long as that goes. This is already a big bonus for where I am. I never even thought that I'll be representing India for two decades. Right from 2002, making my debut and 22 years later still getting to represent India. I'm extremely proud of that," said Bopanna.
On His Best Moment In India Shirt:
"That is definitely the one in Davis Cup history. That is by far my best moment , no question that that one in Chennai and then winning that five-setter doubles in Bangalore against Serbia. Playing with Lee, with Hesh as a captain. At that time, it was the best team atmosphere, team camaraderie. we had with Somdev (Devverman) and me playing singles and all of us going and fighting it out, it was incredible. Of course, winning that my first men's doubles the Grand Slam and becoming world No 1. I am thankful to my wife (Supriya), who has done so many sacrifices in this journey."
On Assisting Young Tennis Players From India Ahead In The Future:
"I will surely look at those positions when I am ready to do it. I don't want to do it while I am still competing and travelling because then I will not be able to give my hundred percent commitment towards that."
On Match Against 'Veteran' Monfils At Paris Olympics 2024:
"This guy Monfils told me that it was the best doubles match that he has played. He also was seeing the ball after playing that singles match (earlier). He was hitting the ball extremely heavy. They served at an extremely high percentage even the despite that we still had our chances."
On Atmosphere During His Match:
"I don't think I have played in this kind of atmosphere even in Davis Cup in India. I don't think we get a synchronized kind of a crowd, who's singing and jumping and cheering I've always seen it like in Europe in Davis Cup ties or in (1:30) South America. But the amazing part was they were extremely respectful when the tennis was being played."
On Partner N Sriram Balaji:
"I told him he should be extremely proud of the way he played. There are a few things he can definitely work on and take this as a great example moving forward."