Rohan Bopanna, a former World No. 1 and Grand Slam champion, has announced his retirement from professional tennis at the age of 44, concluding a remarkable 22-year career. Known primarily for his achievements in doubles, Bopanna’s journey has left a significant mark on the sport, highlighted by two Grand Slam titles and a memorable final chapter.
In a heartfelt message posted on Instagram, Bopanna reflected on his illustrious career and the emotional weight of his decision. “A goodbye… But not the end,” he wrote. “How do you bid farewell to something that gave your life its meaning?” His retirement follows a wave of announcements in 2025, including fellow player Kyle Edmund.
Bopanna’s career reached a pinnacle with his victory at the 2024 Australian Open, where he became the oldest player to win a major title, a testament to his enduring talent and commitment. He concluded his professional journey with a total of 27 doubles titles, a collection that spanned from 2008 to 2024.
Reflecting on his beginnings, Bopanna shared insights into his early life in Coorg, India. He vividly recalled training on cracked courts and building strength by jogging through coffee estates. “Tennis hasn’t been just a game for me – it has given me purpose when I was lost, strength when I was broken, and belief when the world doubted me,” he said.
Achievements and Legacy
Bopanna’s career is marked by significant milestones, including his final win at the Miami Open, where he partnered with fellow player Matthew Ebden. Even as he neared retirement, he demonstrated competitive spirit, reaching the final of the Japan Open in September 2025, where he finished as runner-up alongside Takeru Yuzuki. They faced a tough match against the duo of Hugo Nys and Édouard Roger-Vasselin.
Over the years, Bopanna made appearances in six Grand Slam finals in doubles, clinching victory in two of them. The only title that eluded him was at Wimbledon, a notable absence in an otherwise illustrious résumé.
Bopanna’s impact on the sport transcends his titles. He inspired a generation of players and fans alike with his dedication, resilience, and sportsmanship. His journey from a small town in India to the heights of international tennis serves as an example of what can be achieved through hard work and passion.
As fans and colleagues bid farewell to Rohan Bopanna, his legacy will undoubtedly remain a vital part of tennis history. The emotional farewell underscores the end of an era while celebrating the remarkable career of a player who has given so much to the sport he loves.