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Tennis: Rohan Bopanna oldest ever man to win Grand Slam

Rohan Bopanna Saturday also became the oldest number 1 in Men's Doubles history by winning the title in Melbourne. Read More

Saturday January 27, 2024 11:12 PM , ummid.com with inputs from Agencies

Melbourne: India's ace tennis player Rohan Bopanna Saturday January 27, 2024 clinched the Australian Open 2024 Men's Doubles Title, pairing with Matthew Ebden to become the oldest man to win a Grand Slam.

The second seeds claimed a 7-6 (0), 7-5 victory over unseeded Italian pair Simone Bolelli and Andrea Vavassori on Rod Laver Arena.

Bopanna Saturday also became the oldest number 1 in Men's Doubles history by winning the title in Melbourne.

Saturday's Grand Slam victory was Bopanna-Ebden pair's maiden title as a team and Bopanna's first in Men's Doubles after 60 previous Grand Slams -- a record for most attempts before winning, according to NDTV Sports.

After winning the 1st Grand Slam Men’s doubles title at the age of 43 in the Open Era, Rohan Bopanna thanked his wife Supriya and daughter Tridha for their support.

“I know a couple years ago I sent her a video message and said ‘I’m gonna call it a day.’ Because I wasn’t winning matches at all. I went five months without winning a match. I thought that was gonna be the end of my journey. (but) Perseverance inside me kept me going. I really changed so many things and found a wonderful partner", he said in his post match speech.

In another record, Bopanna became the first Indian to win a grand slam after 2013 in Men's Doubles.

Congratulations pour in

Congratulatory messages are pouring in from different circles after Bopanna’s historic victory.

"Time and again, the phenomenally talented Rohan Bopanna shows age is no bar! Congratulations to him on his historic Australian Open win. His remarkable journey is a beautiful reminder that it is always our spirit, hard work and perseverance that define our capabilities. Best wishes for his future endeavours", Prime Minister Modi said in his message.

"Many Congratulations to Rohan for advancing to become the World No. 1 in the Men's Doubles category. At 43, he is also the oldest one to do so. India is proud of his achievements and his incredible performance! We wish him all the very best in his future endeavours", Congress President, Mallikarjun Kharge, said.

In his congratulatory message, Sitaram Yechury, senior leader of CPI (M) said, "Super! What a thrilling display of excellent tennis. Hearty congratulations, Rohan Bopanna!"

Senior Congress leader and MP Shashi Tharoor congratulated Bopanna after the Indian tennis star was to play the final match to win the Grand Slam.

"As an Indian senior citizen I am delighted and proud that a fellow Indian has just broken the world record for the oldest Number One in international tennis! Congratulations. You have made us proud for twenty years!" Tharoor said.

 

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