New Delhi, October 30, 2024 — In a remarkable achievement for Indian tennis, Rohan Bopanna will represent India as the sole doubles player at the prestigious ATP Finals 2024 alongside his Australian partner Matthew Ebden. This milestone marks Bopanna’s fourth appearance in the season-ending tournament, set to take place from November 10 to 17 at the Inalpi Arena.

Path to Qualification

The Indo-Aussie duo secured their place after the elimination of Nathaniel Lammons and Jackson Withrow during the Paris Masters, effectively finalizing the field for the year’s championship. The ATP Finals will showcase the top eight doubles teams from around the globe, highlighting the elite status of the event.

Bopanna and Ebden enjoyed a stellar season, kicking off their campaign with a thrilling victory at the Australian Open, where Bopanna, at 43 years and 331 days, made history as the oldest player to achieve a world No. 1 ranking. Their impressive run continued with a title at the Miami Open, as well as strong performances that included a final appearance in Adelaide and a semi-final spot at Roland Garros.

Aiming for Glory

This year’s ATP Finals hold special significance for Bopanna, who is determined to clinch his maiden title at the tournament. His previous attempts include a runner-up finish in 2012 with Mahesh Bhupathi and another in 2015 alongside Florin Mergea. Bopanna’s journey at the ATP Finals began in 2011 with partner Aisam-Ul-Haq Qureshi, and now he aims to culminate his illustrious career on a high note.

In their upcoming match, Bopanna and Ebden will face the formidable Brazilian-German duo of Marcelo Melo and Alexander Zverev in the Round of 16 at the Paris Masters on Tuesday.

Retirement and Reflections

In a bittersweet twist, Bopanna has announced that this will be his last event representing India, following his early exit from the Paris Olympics earlier this year. “This will definitely go down as my last event for the country,” he reflected. “I fully recognize where I am in my career, and now, I just plan to enjoy the tennis circuit for as long as I can. It’s been a remarkable journey since I first represented India in 2002, and I’m extremely proud to have done so for over two decades.”

Bopanna’s legacy in Indian tennis is undeniable, as he leaves an indelible mark on the sport while continuing to inspire young athletes across the nation.