Australian Open 2024: Bopanna, oldest men's doubles World No. 1, reaches semis

PTC News Desk: Rohan Bopanna, at the age of 43, has etched his name in the annals of tennis history by becoming the oldest player to attain the World No. 1 ranking in men's doubles. This remarkable achievement was sealed as he and his Australian partner, Mathew Ebden, stormed into the semi-finals of the Australian Open 2024 with a straight-sets victory.

Entering the tournament with a career-high doubles ranking of No. 3, Bopanna's exceptional form and partnership with Ebden have now guaranteed him the top spot in the men's doubles rankings when they are updated next week. His compatriot, Mathew Ebden, is set to secure the No. 2 spot in the rankings.

The duo's journey to the semi-finals was solidified after a convincing win against 6th seeds Maximo Gonzalez and Andres Molteni, triumphing with a scoreline of 6-4, 7-6 (5) in an intense encounter that lasted an hour and 46 minutes.

@rohanbopanna getting to World Number 1 today after 20 years on tour in my opinion is one of the greatest stories in Indian Sport!!! @AustralianOpen #Bofors — Mahesh Bhupathi (@Maheshbhupathi) January 24, 2024

The match initially commenced on Court 3 but had to be relocated to the larger Margaret Court Arena due to issues with the court conditions. Despite the shift, Bopanna and Ebden exhibited exceptional prowess, adapting seamlessly to the bigger court and maintaining their stronghold.

Eyeing his first men's doubles Grand Slam crown, Bopanna showcased impeccable serves and remarkable winners, while Ebden complemented the synergy with effective communication and moments of brilliance. Their dominance continued in the first set, which they clinched 6-4, showcasing an 84% success rate on first serves.

Facing a tough challenge from the Argentine duo in the second set, Bopanna and Ebden maintained composure and forced a tie-breaker. Despite being a double mini-break down, they rallied back to secure three successive points, ultimately winning the set and the match. This victory has propelled the Indo-Australian pair into the semi-finals, where they are set to face unseeded Tomas Machac and Zhizhen Zhang.

Bopanna's journey to the pinnacle of men's doubles rankings is not only a testament to his skill but also a celebration of age-defying excellence on the tennis court. The chemistry and resilience displayed by the duo at the Australian Open 2024 have undoubtedly left an indelible mark in the history of the sport.

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BOPANNA'S PATH TO WORLD NO. 1: A JOURNEY OF CONSISTENCY AND TRIUMPH

Rohan Bopanna, alongside partner Mathew Ebden, has emerged as a dominant force on the tennis tour, showcasing remarkable consistency over the past year. The duo's journey reached a pinnacle with their remarkable performance at the US Open 2023, where they reached the final, marking their best Grand Slam result to date.

The duo's impressive run in 2023 kicked off with a triumphant start at the Qatar Open in February, clinching the title and setting the tone for a successful season ahead. Their on-court synergy was palpable as they outplayed their opponents, securing the championship. The momentum continued into March when they achieved a historic victory at the Indian Wells tournament. Notably, Bopanna made headlines by becoming the oldest player to claim an ATP Masters 1000 title, showcasing his enduring skill and vitality in the sport.

The pair's prowess was further demonstrated by their journey to the semi-finals at Wimbledon in July, a testament to their consistent performance and unwavering tenacity. While they fell short of lifting the trophy, reaching the semi-finals was a significant highlight of their 2023 season.

Throughout the year, Bopanna and Ebden consistently exhibited exceptional talent and determination, leaving an indelible mark on the tennis landscape. Their journey also included a noteworthy appearance at the ATP Finals, where they reached the semi-finals before facing defeat. Now, as Bopanna ascends to the coveted World No. 1 ranking, their journey stands as a testament to the power of partnership, skill, and perseverance in the world of doubles tennis.

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(Inputs from agencies)

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