Veteran Indian tennis player Rohan Bopanna said that he has played his last match for India after losing in the first round of the men’s doubles of the Olympics. Bopanna wanted to end his career for the country in a better way but he is proud of the fact that he achieved many great successes in his 22-year career. The men’s doubles pair of Bopanna and N Sriram Balaji lost 5-7, 2-6 to the French pair of Edward Roger Vaselin and Gael Monfils in the match played on Sunday night. With the defeat of this pair, India’s Olympic medal drought in tennis continued after 1996.
Veteran Leander Paes won the bronze medal in the men’s singles of the Atlanta Olympics. Bopanna came close to ending this drought in 2016 but his and Sania Mirza’s pair finished fourth in the mixed event. Bopanna ruled himself out of the 2026 Asian Games and said, “This was definitely my last tournament for the country. I fully understand what situation I am in. I will enjoy tennis now when I can play.”
He has already announced his retirement from Davis Cup. With a smile on his face, he said, “Where I am is already a big bonus for me. I never thought that I would represent India for two decades. I started my career in 2002 and even after 22 years, I am getting a chance to represent India. I am very proud of this.”
Bopanna said that the fifth Davis Cup tie against Brazil in 2010 is his most memorable match for the national team. He said, “It is definitely one in Davis Cup history. That is my best moment till date, no doubt that moment in Chennai and then winning the match against Serbia in five sets in Bangalore was also a memorable occasion.”
He said, “The atmosphere in the team was great at that time. Playing with Lee (Leander Paes), playing with Hesh (Mahesh Bhupathi) as captain was an amazing experience. At that time, I and Samdev (Devvarman) played singles and we all competed with all our heart, it was unbelievable.”
Arjun’s heart was broken in Paris Olympics, but he was applauded even though the medal slipped from his hand
He said, “Of course, winning my first men’s doubles Grand Slam and becoming world number one has been a big achievement. I am grateful to my wife (Supriya), who has made a lot of sacrifices in this journey. ” Bopanna is helping doubles players at his level and if he gets a chance to join the operations of AITA (All India Tennis Association) in future, he would have no objection.
He said, “When I am ready to do it, I will definitely look into those positions. I am competing and traveling right now, so I cannot take on such responsibility right now. I will not be able to give my hundred percent commitment to it at this time.”
Bopanna said that the presence of Monfils in the French team in the Olympic match made his job difficult. Monfils had replaced Fabian Rebol at the last moment. He said, “Monfils told me that this was his best doubles match. After playing the singles match, he had excellent control over the ball in this match as well. He was hitting fast and serving brilliantly.” The French pair also received great support from the local fans. The spectators present in the stadium were constantly cheering their players.
India held Argentina to a draw, Harmanpreet made a comeback in the last minutes
Bopanna said, “I don’t think I have ever played in such an atmosphere in Davis Cup in India. Fans were singing, making noise, jumping. I have often seen this in Europe and South America in Davis Cup. “He said, “The spectators were cheering for their players but were fully respecting the fact that a tennis match was being played. ” Balaji lost his serve at a crucial time, due to which he was disappointed with himself but Bopanna said that his partner played very well. He said, “I told him that he should be very proud of the way he played. There are some things he can definitely work on and take it as a great example to move forward.
