Veteran Indian tennis star Rohan Bopanna has reached the final of the men’s doubles event on Thursday. Just a few days ago the 43-year-old had become the new World Number 1 in the doubles format.
Rod Laver Arena saw high-octane tennis as the Indian and Australian duo battled hard. ZZ Zhang and Tomas Machac gave a tough fight to their opponents to take the match into the third set.
In the end, after over two hours of intense action, Bopanna and Ebden won the tie. The final is set to take place on Saturday against yet another unseeded Italian pair. Simone Bolleli and Andrea Vavassori are the opponents in what promises to be an exciting encounter.
Rohan Bopanna creates history in doubles format –
It was a happy Thursday for the Indian Tennis fans in the Australian Open 2024 tournament. Rohan Bopanna and his Australian partner Matthew Ebden will play the final on Saturday against the Italian pairing of Simone Bollei and Andrea Vavassori.
The first set was won by the Indo-Aussie with a 6-3 margin as the pair broke no sweat. ZZ Zhang and Tomas Machac then played some amazing tennis to make a comeback. The Chinese and Czech par won the second set 3-6.
As the third set began there was end-to-end Tennis action with both teams trying to outwit each other. As the set rolled on neither of the teams could break each other and the third set went into a tie-break. The experience of Rohan Bopanna came into play as his team won the third and final set with a 10-7 margin to reach the finals.
While speaking to the host broadcasters Sony Sports, Rohan Bopanna looked happy and relieved. “It feels absolutely amazing and incredible to be where I am today, especially after 20 years of being in the sport and consistently trying to achieve at the highest level. Indian Tennis needed this” said Rohan Bopanna.
The veteran hoped his latest feats can inspire the next generation when he said “While watching sports, you always had idols growing up and someone who inspired you. I hope my reaching number 1 position inspires someone back home. With all the support I have received in the last two decades that is something I have to give back to the entire nation”