Rohan Bopanna Retires: From Near Quit to ATP World No. 1

Rohan Bopanna Bids Farewell: ‘From Near-Retirement to Reigning World No. 1’

An exclusive conversation with the Indian tennis sensation reflecting on his illustrious journey

November 28, 2025

Rohan Bopanna’s journey in tennis is defined by three key traits: patience, discipline, and unwavering self-belief.

These qualities may seem straightforward, but their significance becomes evident when he recounts the moment in 2021 when he seriously contemplated stepping away from tennis. A pivotal conversation with his wife, Supriya, ignited a transformative mindset that led to his 2024 Australian Open title alongside Matthew Ebden, ultimately making him the oldest player to ascend to No. 1 in the PIF ATP Doubles Rankings at 43 years old.

“My career has been a testament to patience, discipline, and self-belief,” Bopanna shared in an exclusive talk with ATPTour.com shortly after his retirement announcement. “While talent is essential, a robust mindset is truly what makes the difference, allowing me to transition from nearly quitting the sport to reaching the pinnacle as World No. 1.”

_{^{Rohan Bopanna and Matthew Ebden celebrate their triumph at the 2024 Australian Open doubles championship. Photo: David Gray/Getty Images.}}

Throughout his career, Bopanna claimed 26 tour-level doubles titles, but his trajectory began far from tennis’s epicenters. Hailing from Coorg, a serene region in Karnataka famous for coffee estates, his upbringing lacked the conventional tennis infrastructure.

The absence of extensive media coverage of Grand Slam events made the professional circuit seem distant. However, as his skills sharpened, so did his connection to the larger tennis world, ultimately facilitating his impressive ascent to the ATP Tour.

“Coming from the tranquil landscapes of Coorg to achieving World No. 1 status at 43 has surpassed all my expectations,” he reflected. “I am profoundly grateful to every partner, match, city, and supporter that has stood by me throughout this journey.”

Bopanna’s initial tennis education was fueled by watching legends like Stefan Edberg, coupled with tales of Indian greats such as Ramanathan Krishnan and his son Ramesh. Pioneers like Vijay Amritraj and family members who represented India in the Davis Cup also significantly influenced his aspirations.

The remarkable journeys of Leander Paes and Mahesh Bhupathi inspired Bopanna, showcasing the heights Indian athletes could reach. Sharing the Davis Cup locker room with these icons instilled in him lessons of professionalism and camaraderie. His partnership with Sania Mirza, with whom he reached the mixed doubles final at the 2023 Australian Open, further solidified these values.

“I was deeply inspired by the achievements of those who came before me, including Mahesh and Leander, whose journeys I followed closely. Engaging with them offered invaluable insights into my own path,” Bopanna reminisced about his early influences.

_{^{Sania Mirza and Rohan Bopanna compete in the bronze-medal match at the 2016 Rio Olympics. Photo: Julian Finney/Getty Images.}}

Despite his success, Bopanna faced significant hurdles throughout his career. A shoulder surgery in 2006 forced a six-month hiatus, and knee issues later plagued his performance. In 2019, he discovered he had no cartilage left in his knee, leading to constant discomfort.

The grueling 2021 season saw him lose his first seven matches, bringing him to a crossroads where retirement felt imminent.

“After the pandemic, the return to tennis was fraught with challenges,” Bopanna disclosed about his struggles in 2021. “After not winning for months, I confided in Supriya about my plans to retire. But she encouraged me to view this situation as a challenge instead of a limitation, which allowed me to rediscover my best form.”

This supportive dialogue became the turning point of his career. Bopanna embraced a fresh approach, fueled by the support of his wife, devoted coach Scott Davidoff, and loyal partners, forming the basis for an extraordinary resurgence.

_{^{Rohan Bopanna shares a joyous moment with his wife Supriya and daughter Tridha after winning at the 2024 Australian Open. Photo: William West/Getty Images.}}

Bopanna’s remarkable comeback reached its zenith at the 2024 Australian Open alongside Ebden, embodying the integrity that characterized his career. During the 2023 US Open final, he showcased sportsmanship by admitting a ball had touched him in a critical moment, earning respect from fans and peers alike.

“Instinctively, I knew I had to take responsibility for that ball,” Bopanna acknowledged. “As a father, I strive to instill the right values not just in my children, but in everyone around me—showing that tennis is but one part of a larger picture.”

Finishing his career with a record of 539-410 in doubles and 15 singles victories, according to the Infosys ATP Win/Loss Index, Bopanna’s retirement doesn’t signify an exit from the sport. Through the Rohan Bopanna Tennis Development Foundation, he currently supports 37 underprivileged children with education, housing, and tennis training.

Now at 45, Bopanna is eager to create more tournaments in India, forge new pathways for young players, and leverage the global relationships he has built to elevate Indian tennis. For the first time in years, he looks forward to spending quality time at home with his family.

“Becoming a father rejuvenated my career, especially with my daughter Tridha witnessing my successes,” he shared. “She came in at a time when I was achieving great things, believing it was the norm. After finishing in the final in Tokyo this year, I gifted her my trophy—it was a moment of pure joy.”

“While I may be stepping back from competitive play, my dedication to tennis remains unwavering. I am committed to uplifting Indian tennis and guiding young talents on their journeys,” Bopanna expressed passionately.

Reflecting on a storied career filled with achievements, he aspires to be remembered not just for the titles he claimed, but for the character he embodied.

“I want to be remembered as someone who stayed humble throughout my journey, always honest and approachable. On the court, I was fierce, but off it, I hope to be remembered as a person who embraced the sport and the incredible people I met along the way,” Bopanna concluded.