EXCLUSIVE: “Age is just a number,” Rohan Bopanna gets candid on his Indian Wells victory, Indian Tennis politics, and future plans

Rohan Bopanna touches on numerous topics in his candid interview with FirstSportz as he prepares to complete the Sunshine Double in Miami later this week.


EXCLUSIVE: “Age is just a number,” Rohan Bopanna gets candid on his Indian Wells victory, Indian Tennis politics, and future plans

Rohan Bopanna

Rohan Bopanna is in the form of his life. After winning the doubles title in Indian Wells, the Indian ace flew to Miami, jet-lagged and worn out. In a freewheeling chat with FIRST SPORTZ from Miami, RB spoke on some key topics.

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Q: At age 43, how do you feel competing so hard?

RB: Age is just a number! It does not matter whether you are 43 or 34, all that matters is how you feel overall. I have always felt I am in great shape to compete and that helps me on the court. Frankly speaking, nobody should fuss over age and so on. You gotta enjoy what you do in life, be it competitive sport or anything else.

Q: Tell us a bit about winning the title in Indian Wells and the conditions?

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RB: It was great to win in Indian Wells with my partner, Matthew Ebden. We have got the chemistry going and to win a Masters 1000 title is a delight. Hopefully, we can continue to rock in the 2023 season. As regards the conditions in Indian Wells, it does not matter, really. I know some people were complaining about the courts being slow and the heavy ball. For me, in doubles, it does not matter. You have to accept the conditions.

In doubles, the game itself is so fast, you have to keep pushing hard. There is a difference between singles and doubles, I guess I am still good enough! Let me tell you, between two different cans of balls, there can be a difference in feel. The best is I play without thinking about what I cannot change.

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Rohan Bopanna compares his pairing with Matthew Ebden and Mahesh Bhupathi

Rohan Bopanna with Mahesh Bhupathi and Matthew Ebden
Rohan Bopanna with Mahesh Bhupathi and Matthew Ebden

Q: How does it feel, going for the Sunshine Double in Miami?

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RB: (Laughs). I had a long late flight into Miami. I was tired because there was hardly any gap between the semi-finals and final in Indian Wells. After landing in Miami, I slept for almost 14 hours non-stop. Add to it the time zones etc, I feel fresher now. I am not going to think about predictions on winning in Miami as well. Matt and I will do our best.

Q: Tell us about your support staff?

RB: For me, it is very important to have my coach and physio. Doubles is nuanced, yet, a coach does help in many ways. I need to have him (Scott Davidoff) around me. He has worked with many Indian players before and the partnership will continue. At my age, to rest, recover and be ready, a physio is essential. I have a travelling physio (Rebecca Van Orshaegen from Belgium) with me and that helps me a great deal. Matt has no support staff, though.

Q: How would you explain your partnership with Matthew Ebden on the court?

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RB: The good thing is he is a doubles specialist, not someone who plays singles and doubles. We complement each other well. He does not have a big game really, but we know what to do together. I am at six feet and three inches, so when I serve and come in, he knows how to cut off the angles. Plus his backhand is good.

Q: Does that mean he is a bit in the mold of Mahesh Bhupathi?

RB: Well, Mahesh had a fantastic backhand, the whole world knows it. Matt also has a great backhand and is very reliable. He may not have big shots as winners really, but we get along well on the court. The key is to mesh well in doubles. I am hoping we can continue in the same vein.

No support provided by Indian Sports Ministry reveals Rohan Bopanna

Anil Dhupar and Rohan Bopanna
Anil Dhupar, Secretary General of the AITA and Rohan Bopanna

Q: What does representing India mean to you?

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RB: It means a hell of a lot. When you go and play a tennis event, be it singles, doubles, or mixed doubles, to see the Indian flag, the tricolor, is a huge boost. After all, I am representing India. To see the flag flutter in Indian Wells was motivating and emotional. I guess we athletes love playing for the country and to be an Indian athlete out there is special.

Q: Are you getting any support from the Sports Ministry or Sports Authority of India, since affording a coach and physio is big money?

RB: Well, unfortunately, I get NO support for myself, the coach, or physio. During my interactions with the SAI, they told me as I do not play with an Indian, they cannot support me! I tried explaining, I will not get into any of the draws at the big events with an Indian doubles partner and I requested them (SAI) to at least support me for my coach and physio. I have heard nothing at all. Nevertheless, I will continue to do what best I need.

Q: How long does Bofors Bopanna continue?

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RB: I am enjoying my tennis. I have the full support of my family and they travel with me whenever possible. There is no deadline as to how long I will play or continue to play. The main thing is to stay fit and compete hard. Both of us, me and my doubles partner are excited about the 2023 season. I did not play Wimbledon last time as there were no ranking points. If there are ranking points this time, which is on cards, I will definitely be there.

Rohan Bopanna confident of finding more Doubles specialists in India

Rohan Bopanna
Rohan Bopanna

Q: Your thoughts on being a role model for other Indians who play doubles?

RB: As I told FIRST SPORTZ in January this year, I am providing coaching and physio help for the doubles guys from India. I had made a tie-up in Pune and am hoping the next generation can get stronger and better. I am sure we will find good doubles specialists in the future.

Q: You went through the Covid pandemic and still competed. Your thoughts?

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RB: The Covid pandemic was crazy. To think of it is dreadful. I wish the world is normal and life can go on normally for all of us. For athletes and lovers of the sport, competing in a healthy environment is crucial.

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