Melbourne: In a historic triumph, Indian tennis ace Rohan Bopanna and his Australian partner Matthew Ebden clinched the men’s doubles title at the 2024 Australian Open by defeating the Italian duo Simone Bolelli and Andrea Vavassori in a thrilling final.
The 43-year-old Bopanna etched his name in the annals of tennis history, becoming the oldest man to win a Grand Slam title in the Open Era. The victory was hard-fought, with both pairs displaying remarkable skills and determination on the court.
The first set witnessed an intense battle, culminating in a tie-breaker where Bopanna and Ebden showcased their prowess by winning it 7-6(0). The Italians, Bolelli and Vavassori, took an early lead in the second set, adding to the excitement of the match. However, the Indo-Australian duo mounted a comeback, securing the set 7-5 and sealing their historic win.
Bopanna and Ebden’s journey to the title was marked by exceptional performances, including six set deciders and two super tiebreaks during the tournament. The victory not only made Bopanna the oldest man to claim a Grand Slam title but also propelled him to the top of the ATP Doubles Rankings, making him the oldest No. 1 in history.
With 24 tour-level doubles titles under his belt, Bopanna’s maiden Grand Slam triumph adds another remarkable chapter to his illustrious tennis career.