Tennis legend, Rafael Nadal praised the Indian veteran, Rohan Bopanna after winning the Australian Open doubles title with a post on his official handle on Instagram stories.
The Spaniard was all praise after Bopanna’s victory where he said,” Congrats Rohan on an amazing and unique achievement.” The Indian tennis star managed to secure the doubles title at the Rod Laver Arena. Partnering with Matthew Ebden he was able to secure the title and become the oldest man to win a Grand Slam doubles title as well.
READ MORE: ‘Not Age But Spirit That Defines Us’: Athletes Shower Praise on India’s Rohan Bopanna After Historic Australian Open Win
The pair of Bopanna-Ebden managed to beat the Italian duo of Bolelli-Vavassori in straight sets, showing no mercy to their opponents to win the title with the score reading (7-6), (7-5).
It was the pair’s maiden title as a team and Bopanna’s first in men’s doubles after 60 previous Grand Slams — a record for most attempts before winning.
Then win in Australia was Bopanna’s second Grand Slam in his long career. He previously won a Grand Slam at the 2017 French Open in mixed doubles, with Canada’s Gabriela Dabrowski.
READ MORE: ‘I’m Gonna Call It A Day’: Rohan Bopanna Recalls Contemplating Retirement in Emotional Speech After Australian Open Win
Bopanna is also slated to become the oldest number one in men’s doubles history when the new rankings are released next week. ‘ 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.
He will also have something else to add to the honours list as he has been conferred with the Padma Shri Award, the fourth highest civilian honour in India which was announced earlier. The Padma Shri is the fourth highest civilian award in India after Bharat Ratna, Padma Vibhushan and Padma Bhushan. The Awards are given in various disciplines/fields of activities like art, social work, public affairs, science and engineering, trade and industry, medicine, literature and education, sports, civil service, etc.
The 43-year-old tennis ace also went on to share how he contemplated calling it quits earlier in his career and how his wife was pivotal in his hunt for glory.
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