Rohan Bopanna Cruises To Australian Open Final, Becomes Oldest World No. 1

At 43, most athletes start eyeing retirement, trading in their rackets for rocking chairs. But not Rohan Bopanna. This Indian tennis stalwart, seasoned by more than 40 Davis Cup battles, just scaled a mountain many thought beyond him: becoming the oldest World No.1 in men’s doubles history.

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This isn’t some fairytale Cinderella story; it’s a testament to sheer grit, unwavering focus, and a unique partnership that defied expectations. In 2022, with Bopanna’s career seemingly cresting, he found himself teaming up with Aussie veteran Matthew Ebden. It wasn’t just a pairing of convenience; it was a meeting of minds, of two players hungry to revitalize their careers.

And revitalize they did. 2023 became their annus mirabilis. They conquered the Indian Wells Masters, reached four more Masters finals, and even flirted with Grand Slam glory, reaching the US Open final despite dropping the first set. Their secret weapon? Composure. Both Rohan Bopanna and Ebden possessed an enviable cool under pressure, a silent storm of unwavering focus amidst the roaring crowds.

Their latest triumph at the Australian Open was a masterclass in this composure. Facing Argentina’s Maximo Gonzalez and Andres Molteni, they weathered early challenges, pounced on a fleeting break opportunity, and never looked back. Even a second-set tie-break couldn’t ruffle their feathers; they emerged victorious, Rohan Bopanna etching his name in history as the oldest player to ever reach the doubles summit.

This isn’t just Bopanna’s story; it’s a beacon for anyone who dares to dream beyond their age. He attributes his late-career surge to two key factors: Iyengar yoga and an uncompromising focus on recovery. The yoga, he says, has brought newfound balance and consistency to his game. And the recovery? Well, picture this: ever since landing in Australia, Bopanna has religiously taken an ice bath, every single day, after practice, after matches, regardless. At 43, he understands that recovery is the cornerstone of longevity.

This World No.1 ranking holds more than just personal glory. It opens the door to the Paris Olympics, ensuring India has a shot at tennis glory. But before that, there’s unfinished business: a Grand Slam title. Bopanna may have tasted mixed doubles gold at the French Open in 2017, and even reached two US Open men’s doubles finals (13 years apart!), but the ultimate prize has remained elusive. He and Ebden face a tough semifinal challenge against China’s Zhang Zhizhen and Czech Republic’s Tomas Machac, but their unwavering spirit and newfound belief make them contenders to watch.

Rohan Bopanna’s story is one of defying expectations, rewriting narratives, and proving that age is just a number. He stands tall, not just as the oldest World No.1, but as an inspiration to anyone who dares to chase their dreams, no matter the odds. So grab your racket, take a deep breath, and remember: it’s never too late to soar.