Cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar has extended his profound best wishes to Indian tennis player Rohan Bopanna, celebrating his illustrious career upon his official retirement. Tendulkar lauded Bopanna’s impressive journey and unwavering determination.
Sharing his admiration on social media, Tendulkar wrote, “Rohan, I’ve always believed that sport reveals character. Yours showed in every serve, every smile, every comeback. You proved that belief can outlast time. Wishing you many more winning moments off the court too.”
Rohan Bopanna officially concluded his professional tennis career on Saturday, marking an end to over two decades in the sport. His final competitive appearance was at the Paris Masters 1000, where he played alongside Alexander Bublik.
Reflecting on his emotional farewell, Bopanna shared, “How do you bid farewell to something that gave your life its meaning? After 20 unforgettable years on tour, it’s time… I’m officially hanging up my racquet. From chopping wood in Coorg to strengthen my serve, to standing under the lights of the biggest arenas in the world, it feels surreal. Representing India has been the greatest honour of my life, and every time I stepped on court, I played for that flag, that feeling, that pride.”
The 45-year-old tennis star achieved several remarkable milestones during his career, including becoming the oldest player to win a Grand Slam title and reaching World No. 1 in doubles rankings earlier this year. His Olympic journey saw him secure a commendable fourth-place finish at the Rio 2016 Olympics with Sania Mirza. Furthermore, Bopanna has been a vital member of India’s Davis Cup team for over 20 years.
Even with his retirement from competitive tennis, Bopanna remains deeply committed to the sport’s growth. He has introduced UTR Tennis Pro to India and actively manages various grassroots initiatives through his academy. This academy is dedicated to helping young Indian players forge pathways to international tennis careers. Bopanna also holds the unique distinction of being the oldest player to win both a Grand Slam and an ATP Masters 1000 title.
Fans will still have the opportunity to see Bopanna in action as he is slated to compete in the Tennis Premier League Season 7, scheduled from December 9 to 14 at the Gujarat University Tennis Stadium in Ahmedabad.