Indian tennis legend Rohan Bopanna settles the GOAT debate between Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic
Novak Djokovic and Rohan Bopanna were World No.1s simultaneously at one point this year in singles and doubles, respectively.
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Rohan Bopanna, Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal (images via X)
Rohan Bopanna recently shared his perspective on the GOAT debate in tennis, which mainly focuses on the Big 3 (Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic).
Bopanna considers Djokovic to be the benchmark in tennis. The Indian tennis star also believes that the Serbian player is as much an inspiration to future stars as he is a force on the court.
The greatest player of all time? Novak Djokovic. The way he’s been so consistent over the years has been incredible. Novak has overcome a lot of barriers. His consistency has been fabulous. And the tennis player who has had the most impact on the sport? Novak, too. Without a doubt.
Rohan Bopanna said in an interview with Clay Tennis
Bopanna has personal memories attached to the Big 3. In 2014 and 2015, India hosted the IPTL, where Djokovic and Federer were invited. Bopanna and other notable Indian players, like Sania Mirza, had the chance to spend time with these tennis legends on the court.
Recently, Bopanna was also pictured with Djokovic in Monte Carlo. At that time, both players held the World No. 1 ranking—Djokovic in singles and Bopanna in doubles.
Rohan Bopanna and Matthew Ebden qualify for the Nitto ATP Finals
Indian tennis player Rohan Bopanna and his Australian partner, Matthew Ebden, have qualified for the 2024 ATP Finals in men’s doubles. The tournament will take place from November 10 to 17 at the Inalpi Arena in Turin, Italy. This event is one of the most prestigious in tennis, featuring the year’s top eight singles players and doubles teams.
Bopanna and Ebden join a talented lineup of doubles teams, including pairs like Wesley Koolhof/Nikola Mektic and Kevin Krawietz/Tim Puetz. Others qualified are Harri Heliovaara/Henry Patten, Marcelo Arevalo/Mate Pavic, Marcel Granollers/Horacio Zeballos, Simone Bolelli/Andrea Vavassori, and Max Purcell/Jordan Thompson. Their spot in the ATP Finals was confirmed after Nathaniel Lammons and Jackson Withrow were eliminated at the Paris Masters.
The 2024 season has been excellent for Bopanna and Ebden. They started strong by winning the Australian Open, where Bopanna made history as the oldest world No. 1 in tennis. They also won the Miami Open and reached the semi-finals of the French Open, proving their skill and teamwork.
This is Bopanna’s fifth time playing at the ATP Finals, having competed in 2011, 2012, 2015, and 2023. He reached the finals twice, in 2012 and 2015, though he did not win the title. After retiring from India’s national team after the Paris 2024 Olympics, Bopanna continues to shine on the ATP Tour and is now aiming for success in Turin.
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Fahad Hamid
(624 Articles Published)