Rohan Bopanna: A Tennis Legend Defying Age and Records

Rohan Bopanna, the grand old man of Indian tennis, continues to defy age and expectations with his recent triumph at the Miami Open alongside partner Matthew Ebden. At 44 years old, Bopanna shows no signs of slowing down as he clinched his second Masters 1000 title as a pair and sixth overall in his illustrious career.

In an exclusive conversation with Hindustan Times Digital, Bopanna reflected on his win in Miami, his partnership with Ebden, preparations for the upcoming Olympics, and his involvement with the ASICS brand and their latest campaign, ‘Move Your Mind’.

Bopanna expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to compete at the highest level and secure his sixth Masters 1000 win, breaking his own record as the oldest ATP Masters title holder. He emphasized the importance of not settling for less and constantly striving to excel in his career.

When asked about the age factor and the “level 44” talk, Bopanna reiterated that age is just a number and what truly matters is taking care of one’s body and mind, staying motivated, and honing skills on the court. He sees the talk as a testament to his dedication to the sport and passion for competing at the highest level possible.

Regarding his partnership with Ebden, Bopanna credited their chemistry on and off the court, different strengths that complement each other, and shared commitment to hard work and improvement as the recipe for their success as a doubles team.

Looking ahead to the Olympics, Bopanna acknowledged the importance of selecting the right partner and ensuring adequate match practice in the build-up to the tournament. He emphasized the need for confidence, preparedness, and a clear mindset to give his best effort on the court.

Bopanna also discussed the Doubles Dream Project, his association with ASICS, and their campaign ‘Move Your Mind’, highlighting the significance of movement for physical and mental well-being. He commended ASICS’ approach in promoting holistic wellness through active practices and the mind-body connection.

In closing, Bopanna praised fellow ASICS athlete Sumit Nagal for his impressive run in 2024 and expressed confidence in his bright future in the sport. He encouraged Nagal to stay focused, maintain his work ethic, and believe in himself to achieve even greater heights in the future.