Heartbreaking Exit: Tennis Star Rohan Bopanna Retires Following Defeat by French Rivals at Paris Olympics

Rohan Bopanna Retires from Indian Tennis After Paris Olympics Defeat

Veteran Indian tennis player Rohan Bopanna has announced his retirement from the sport following his loss in the opening round of the 2024 Paris Olympics. Paired with N Sriram Balaji, Bopanna succumbed to the French duo of Gael Monfils and Edouard Roger-Vasselin with scores of 5-7, 2-6 after an hour and 16 minutes on the court.

At 44, Bopanna has dismissed any possibility of participating in the upcoming Asian Games in Japan, cementing this Olympic match as his final appearance representing India. Reflecting on his career, Bopanna recalled his near-miss at the 2016 Rio Olympics, where he and Sania Mirza finished fourth in mixed doubles. With hopes of redemption in 2024 dashed by the French pair, Bopanna took a moment to express his pride in donning the national colors for over two decades.

"This will definitely go down as my last event for the country. I totally understand where I am and now, I am just going to be enjoying the tennis circuit as long as that goes," Bopanna said, as quoted by PTI. "This is already a big bonus for where I am. I never even thought that I’ll be representing India for two decades. Right from 2002, making my debut and 22 years later still getting to represent India. I’m extremely proud of that,” he added.

Bopanna’s illustrious career includes winning the French Open mixed doubles title in 2017 with Gabriela Dabrowski, marking him as one of India’s most decorated tennis players. As he steps away from international duty, Bopanna leaves behind a legacy that will inspire future generations of Indian athletes.

Original Story https://www.indiatodayne.in/sport/story/tennis-player-rohan-bopanna-announces-retirement-after-losing-to-french-opponents-in-paris-olympics-1060086-2024-07-29?utm_source=rssfeed
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