The overstated yet underestimated adage of ‘age is just a number’ was displayed at full effect at the Rod Laver Arena in Australia today as India’s Rohan Bopanna created history by clinching the Australian Open Men’s Doubles title to become the oldest player ever to win a Grand Slam.
Bopanna achieved the historic feat with the help of doubles partner Matthew Ebden of Australia, as the pair put away Italians Simone Boleili and Andrea Vavassori in the final today in two hard-fought sets of 7-6, 7-5 to get their hands on the coveted title finally.
Doubles delight @rohanbopanna and @mattebden defeat Italian duo Bolelli/Vavassori 7-6(0) 7-5. @wwos • @espn • @eurosport • @wowowtennis pic.twitter.com/WaR2KXF9kp— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 27, 2024
Bopanna, 43, now surpasses Dutchman Jean-Julien Rojer who won the French Open men’s doubles title along with partner Marcelo Arevola, at the age of 40.
The sporting world as a whole, with athletes from all walks of sport alike, came together to shower their praise on the timeless Indian.
Indian cricketing legend, the Master Blaster, Sachin Tendulkar himself took to social media to voice his admiration for the grit and tenacity that Bopanna has showcased to get to his crowning moment.
Your moment can arrive anytime, anywhere. Just ask @rohanbopanna, who at 43, seized it on the grand stage of the @AustralianOpen. Keep training, keep dreaming and be prepared to step up when your time comes. #AusOpen pic.twitter.com/WdDGzjfufW— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) January 27, 2024
It was then the turn of India’s ‘Golden Boy’ Neeraj Chopra, the javelin juggernaut, who also highlighted and congratulated Bopanna’s teammate Ebden for their efforts.
Congratulations @rohanbopanna for winning your maiden #AusOpen Doubles title! An incredible effort of not giving up and pushing your limits on the court every time. Wouldn’t have been possible without your partner Matthew Ebden and the team behind.
— Neeraj Chopra (@Neeraj_chopra1) January 27, 2024
Tennis legend and trailblazer for the women’s game Billie Jean King herself took notice of the Indian’s feat and admired his tenacity to never give up on his dream.
Outstanding!It’s never too late to chase your dreams.
Congratulations on making history, @rohanbopanna! https://t.co/emaD7yk5JN
— Billie Jean King (@BillieJeanKing) January 27, 2024
Yet another legendary former batter for the Indian cricket team, VVS Laxman reemphasised the importance of one’s spirit to drive them towards their goal, stating Bopanna as an inspiration for all.
Not age but our spirit that defines us.Many congratulations Rohan Bopanna & Matthew Ebden on winning the Australian Open Doubles title.Truly inspirational @rohanbopanna #AusOpen2024 pic.twitter.com/bunPEHAWuP— VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281) January 27, 2024
Double Olympian and Indian hockey player SK Uthappa also took to social media and reiterated the importance of Bopanna’s achievement.
Just inspirational stuff !!!The Oldest Grand Slam winnerIt’s a big day for Indian SportsCongratulations againSir Rohan Bopanna @AustralianOpen @rohanbopanna @SonySportsNetwk pic.twitter.com/nQP0sgynwF— SK Uthappa OLY (@Uthappask) January 27, 2024
Bopanna is also slated to become the oldest number one in men’s doubles history when the new rankings are released next week.
This win at Australia marks Bopanna’s second Grand Slam in his extensive career, with his only previous Grand Slam win coming at the 2017 French Open in mixed doubles, with Canada’s Gabriela Dabrowski.
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