"From almost quitting tennis to becoming World No. 1": Rohan Bopanna bids farewell after a historic journey

Rohan Bopanna’s final season on the ATP Tour closed a chapter unlike any other in Indian tennis — a 22-year journey that stretched from small-town beginnings in Coorg to the very top of the doubles world rankings. His retirement at the end of the 2025 season marked the conclusion of a career defined not only by trophies but by remarkable longevity, resilience, and a commitment to growth on and off the court.

As he reflected on the road behind him, Bopanna described his career as a lesson in persistence more than natural gift. “I think my career is a story of patience, discipline and self-belief,” he said to ATP Tour website, noting how close he once came to walking away from the sport entirely.

The Indian star’s legacy is etched in the record books: 26 ATP doubles titles, a 539-410 career win-loss record in doubles, and one of the most remarkable late-career ascents in modern tennis.

His partnership with Matthew Ebden delivered the 2024 Australian Open title, a triumph that sent Bopanna to World No. 1 for the first time at age 43 — making him the oldest player to reach the summit in history. But as he explained, the ranking was only one chapter in a path shaped as much by setbacks as success. “You need to have a strong mindset,” he said. “That’s where it made a massive difference, a massive switch for me going from almost quitting tennis to becoming World No. 1.”

Bopanna’s climb was inspired early on by India’s great doubles figures, whom he studied closely as he shaped his own ambitions. He spoke of reading about Mahesh Bhupathi and Leander Paes, seeing the global stages they reached and the impact they had back home. Their journey became a map for his own aspirations, and later, mentors he could consult as he learned to navigate life on Tour.

He also shared deep respect for 3-time Grand Slam champion Sania Mirza, with whom he rose through the ranks, describing the importance of having a compatriot who understood the unique pressures of representing India. “Sania Mirza was also somebody I came along the Tour with, and we shared a lot of great memories. Even though I met beautiful people from across the world, just sharing this journey from somebody from your own country, I think helps you shape your journey better as well.”

Bopanna often returns to one theme: gratitude. From his first ATP title in 2008 alongside Eric Butorac to his mixed doubles triumph at Roland Garros in 2017 with Gabriela Dabrowski, each partnership played a role in shaping his story. By the time he hung up his racquets, he had won titles with 15 different partners — a testament to both his adaptability and his reputation as a teammate. “Coming from a small town like Coorg to travelling all over the world, becoming World No. 1… it’s a journey way beyond what I imagined,” he said. “I’m grateful to every partner, every match, every city.”

His path wasn’t without doubts. The 2021 season, coming out of the pandemic, pushed Bopanna to the edge of retirement — a moment he remembers vividly. After months without a win, he told his wife he was ready to stop. Her response changed everything. “She said, ‘Look at it as a new challenge, not a limitation,’” Bopanna recalled. “That is where I started playing my best tennis.” The resurgence that followed carried him through the most successful late-career stretch of his life, eventually culminating in the achievements that will define his legacy.

His career also included memorable appearances in the Nitto ATP Finals, finishing runner-up in 2012 with Bhupathi and in 2015 with Florin Mergea. These results placed him firmly among the most consistent doubles competitors of his era. Yet what Bopanna cherishes most is not the silverware but the integrity he carried. One moment often cited is his self-call on a crucial touch-violation point — a gesture that, for him, defined the values he wanted to pass on. “Being a father, you want to teach the right kind of things,” he said. “There are things so much bigger than just playing tennis.”

Becoming a parent transformed the final phase of Bopanna’s career. He credits his daughter, Tridha, with giving him renewed purpose at a time when many players would be winding down. She watched him lift trophies and compete at the highest level, believing it was normal for her father to be in finals. “When I made the final in Tokyo this year, the first thing after the prize distribution, I gave her the trophy and told her, ‘This is for you,’” he shared. “Kids… they keep you grounded at all times.”

This perspective helped him extend his playing days far longer than he once thought possible. It also prepared him for what comes next. While he may be retiring from competition, Bopanna insists he is not stepping away from tennis. His Rohan Bopanna Tennis Development Foundation currently supports 37 underprivileged children, providing education, lodging and professional training — a project he aims to expand in his post-tour life. “My next true mission is to help Indian tennis,” he said. “I would love to share my experience with young players.”