Doubles ace Rohan Bopanna sprang a pleasant surprise last week when he decided to retire from professional tennis after an illustrious career spanning over two decades. The tall and strapping Coorgi may have won only two Grand Slam titles, but to have played with over 120 partners is a record of sorts. Two losses hurt the 45-year-old Bopanna, losing the bronze medal play-off match with Sania Mirza at the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro. There were more tears as Sania and Bopanna lost the mixed doubles final in 2023 at the Australian Open to Luisa Stefani and Rafael Matos from Brazil.
In an exclusive chat with mid-day on Tuesday, the seasoned star opened up on his decision to hang up his racquet and what’s next on his side of the court.
Edited excerpts from an interview.
It has been a long career for you. Are you surprised or pleased with so many people wishing you, even those not part of tennis?
It’s been overwhelming in the best way possible. I honestly didn’t expect the response to be so emotional or far-reaching. Hearing from people outside of tennis, from different walks of life, has been very special. It reminds me that sport has the power to connect and inspire beyond the court. It’s a beautiful feeling to know my journey has touched people in
some way.
You leave Indian tennis orphaned, having been the flag-bearer for so many years. Looking ahead, does it not seem gloomy?
I wouldn’t call it gloomy at all. Indian tennis has always had potential, it’s just about creating the right ecosystem that helps players transition from juniors to the professional level. We have talent, we just need more structure, more competitive opportunities within India, and a clear pathway for young players to grow. If we can strengthen that foundation, there’s every reason to be optimistic about the future.
How important is time with the family as your daughter is growing up? Will you ask her to take up sports?
Family time means everything to me right now. After so many years on the Tour and spending long stretches away, I really value being present and enjoying the simple everyday things I missed before. As for my daughter [five-year-old Tridha] I’d love to see her play a sport because it teaches so many life lessons like discipline, patience, teamwork, and resilience. But I’ll never force it, she should find her own passion and joy. Whatever she chooses,
I’ll be there to support her fully.
Are you open to any role in helping Indian tennis, given your rich experience as a player and someone who hosts camps?
Absolutely. Tennis has given me everything and I feel a strong responsibility to give back. Through RBTA [Rohan Bopanna Tennis Academy] I’m already working on grassroots and development programmes. I will continue to support Indian tennis in whatever capacity I can, whether that’s mentoring players, hosting camps, or helping build better structures.
One dream I’ve always carried is to see India regain its strength in doubles. We’ve had a proud legacy in the format and I’d love to create a system that helps young players understand doubles strategy early, play international events, and bring that success back. The doubles dream for India is still alive, it just needs the right push.
What would be your blueprint for Indian tennis, especially seeing how women’s tennis has blossomed?
The progress in women’s tennis is inspiring and shows what can happen when there’s consistency in opportunity and exposure. For Indian tennis overall, we need a stronger domestic circuit that gives players regular high-level competition throughout the year. Coaching education and structured athlete support are equally important. As for the blueprint… well, if I start giving that away here, who’ll need me later? [laughs]. Let’s just say that’s where I come in, as someone who’s seen the sport evolve from every angle, I’d like to use that experience to help shape what comes next.
