Freshly minted World Doubles No.1 Rohan Bopanna’s wish has come true as the Indian ace, along with Australian partner Matthew Ebden, defeated the Italian pair of Simone Bolleli and Andrea Vavasorri in straight sets to clinch the Men’s Doubles title at the Australian Open.
At 43 years and 329 days, the oldest World Doubles No.1, alongside Ebden, was in sublime form against the Italians and came out victorious in two sets of 7-6, 7-5, after an encounter that lasted 1 hour and 39 minutes.
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.
Bopanna’s first men’s doubles Grand Slam is the best moment of what has been an amazing two weeks for the man from Coorg at the “Happy Slam”. He is among seven sportspersons named for the Padma Shri award for 2024 by the Indian government on Thursday.
Padma Shri is India’s fourth-highest civilian award after Bharat Ratna, Padma Vibhushan and Padma Bhushan. It is given to individuals for their distinguished service in any field.
This win is Bopanna’s second Grand Slam in his extensive career, with his only previous Grand Slam win coming at the 2017 French Open in mixed doubles, with Canada’s Gabriela Dabrowski.
This win also marked Ebden’s second men’s doubles title after winning Wimbledon in 2022 with fellow Australian Max Purcell.
