End of an era: Rohan Bopanna announces retirement from professional tennis

India’s two-time Grand Slam champion Rohan Bopanna has officially announced his retirement from professional tennis, drawing the curtains on a remarkable 20-year career that redefined Indian doubles tennis on the global stage.

The 45-year-old confirmed his decision on Saturday, just days after playing his final ATP match at the Paris Masters, where he partnered Alexander Bublik. The pair lost in the Round of 32 to John Peers and James Tracy, 5-7, 6-2, 10-8, marking the end of Bopanna’s journey on the tour.

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“How do you bid farewell to something that gave your life its meaning? After 20 unforgettable years on tour, it’s time I’m officially hanging up my racquet,” he wrote in a heartfelt social media post, signalling the end of an era.

Widely regarded as one of India’s finest ever tennis players, Bopanna carved out an exceptional legacy in doubles, powered by his signature booming serve and sharp reflexes at the net. A constant presence in Davis Cup campaigns, he represented India at multiple Olympic Games, and remained a top-ranked doubles competitor well into his 40s, a rarity in the sport.

His first Grand Slam breakthrough came in 2017, when he won the French Open mixed doubles title with Gabriela Dabrowski. But it was in 2024 that Bopanna produced a career-defining milestone, capturing the Australian Open men’s doubles crown and becoming the world’s No. 1-ranked doubles player at 43, the oldest to ever reach the top spot.

“As I write this, my heart feels both heavy and grateful. Starting my journey from a small town of Coorg in India, chopping blocks of wood to strengthen my serve, jogging through coffee estates to build stamina, and chasing dreams on cracked courts to standing under the lights of the biggest arenas in the world – it all feels surreal,” he reflected in his announcement.

“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.”

Bopanna’s message paid tribute to the people who shaped his life on and off the court, from his parents and sister to his long-time coach Scott Davidoff, and to the fans who supported him over two decades.

“Every time I stepped onto a court, it taught me perseverance, resilience to rise, to fight again when everything inside me said I couldn’t – and most of all, reminded me why I started and who I am,” he wrote, before thanking each member of his family by name.

“To my wife, Supriya – my greatest partner off court… To my daughter, Tridha – you’ve changed the way I see everything… Every match I played in these last years, I played for you.”

He also reserved a powerful closing note for Indian supporters: “To my fans – your love has been my fuel… Representing India has been the greatest honour of my life. Each time I walked onto the court with the tricolour beside my name, I felt its pride and its value. Every serve, every point, every match – I played for that flag, for that feeling, for my country. Thank you, India.”

Across 20 seasons on tour, Bopanna reached five Grand Slam finals, one in men’s doubles (2023 US Open with Matthew Ebden) and four in mixed doubles (including French Open 2017, Australian Open 2018, and Australian Open 2023). Few Indian players have matched his longevity on the ATP circuit, where he claimed 26 doubles titles and competed in 58 Masters 1000 tournaments.

Though stepping away from competition, Bopanna made it clear that tennis will remain central to his future.

“I may be stepping away from competition, but my story with tennis isn’t over. This game gave me everything and now, I want to give back – to help young dreamers from small towns believe that their beginnings don’t define their limits,” he wrote.

“My gratitude is endless, and my love for this beautiful game will never fade. This isn’t goodbye… It’s a thank you to everyone who shaped me, guided me, supported me, and loved me,” he signed off.