Indian tennis veteran and one of the renowned names in the sport, Rohan Bopanna on Saturday, November 1 announced retirement. The 45-year-old in an emotional post across his social media handles, put down
curtains to his elaborated 22-year-long career, bringing down another legacy. Although, with age coming on him and the veteran player consistently denying rumours of retirement, finally brought an end on Saturday.
“A Goodbye….But Not The End. 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," Bopanna said in his emotional retirement announcement. Although, Bopanna had confirmed his retirement from Indian tennis after his early exit from the Paris Olympic Games, but on Saturday, he officially retired from professional tennis.
Rohan Bopanna retires from professional tennis aged 45
However, his retirement was long on cards, it came on Saurday as he called his time playing for India as his “greatest honour”. "Representing India has been the greatest honour of my life . Each time I walked onto the court with the tricolour beside my name, I felt its pride and its value. Every serve, every point, every match - I played for that flag, for that feeling, for my country,” he wrote.
While he confirmed that he has now moved away from playing tennis, but also added that his journey with the sport is still on as he aims to give back. “I may be stepping away from competition, but my story with tennis isn’t over. This game gave me everything and now, I want to give back - to help young dreamers from small towns believe that their beginnings don’t define their limits.”
While it might be his end from playing the sport, but during his career, he etched history as he won two Grand Slam titles - 2024 Australian Open men’s doubles and 2017 French Open mixed doubles. During his prime, he also reached the final of four Grand Slam finals. Additionally, Bopanna also reached final of year-ending ATP Finals in 2012 and 2015 with his final appearance coming at the Paris Masters 1000 in men’s doubles alongside Alexander Bublik.
