EXCLUSIVE: Rohan Bopanna shares his thoughts on Carlos Alcaraz’s rise and his plans for the Asian Games and the upcoming Paris Olympics

At 43, Rohan Bopanna is enjoying playing tennis like he did in his teens. Back in the Top 10, seven to be precise, as per the ATP doubles ranking released on Monday, the doubles veteran is looking forward to more success. Having teamed up with Aussie Matthew Ebden has helped both the players.

In a one-on-one interaction with First Sportz from Bengaluru, the strapping Coorgi spoke at length about his form and future plans. There is everything to suggest he is going to continue playing his trade.

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Rohan Bopanna comments on his pairing with Matthew Ebden and returning to Top 10

FS: Your thoughts on the tennis season till now for you in 2023?
RB: I really cannot complain today (laughs). I am back in the Top 10 after a long while and here is hoping from now till November 2023 I can keep adding more ranking points. The good part is I am enjoying my tennis.

FS: Tell us about your chemistry with Ebden.
RB: The good part is, Matt is a doubles specialist, we have understood each other well from the start of the season. We made it to the semi-finals at Wimbledon, which was a decent performance. Both of us relate to each other well. The main thing is to carry the trust and faith forward, into the US Open and the remaining big tournaments in 2023.

FS: Do you share a coach or physio?
RB: Matt has no separate coach or physio. Scott Davidoff is helping me and Ebden also takes his help. Minus a physio, I would be dead. My knees are no longer the same. I have to stretch and strengthen for long durations daily. As part of rest and recovery, I would not be able to manage without a physio, that is for sure. Also, Wimbledon has now become the best of three sets in doubles, so if I calculate, I played hardly one week!

Carlos Alcaraz has brought exciting times to tennis says Rohan Bopanna

FS: You have seen several generations of top singles players from Pete Sampras to Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic. Your thoughts on King Carlos Alcaraz?
RB: Special, that one word will sum it up. I mean, the guy is 20, but look at his maturity. He has the all-round game, his footwork is magic. Above all, in the head, mentally, he is so cool. He will only get better and better. To have been tutored/groomed from a very young age by Juan Carlos Ferrero, fans can see how complete a player Carlos is. He has a long innings ahead.

FS: Would you think he represents Gen Next?
RB: I would not want to get into any kind of debates, really. Tennis has seen amazing talent, amazing players. The legends have always been there. Carlos and many more younger guys are out there today playing top tennis. Carlos has won two Majors and comes from Spain, like Rafael Nadal. Tennis is in for exciting times for sure.

Paris Olympics is a real shot for Rohan Bopanna

FS: What are the other goals this year?
RB: Well, I am looking forward to the Asian Games in Hangzhou (China). The team has already been announced and it will be fun to play with the boys and win a few medals.

FS: How about the Olympics in Paris in 2024?
RB: Who does not want to play one more Olympics! The good part is whatever ranking points I make from now till the end of the year will be a bonus. The cut-off for the Paris Olympics is around June 2024. Even if I am not in the Top 10 but say around in the Top 20, I could still make the cut for the Paris draw provided Saki (Saketh Myneni) or Yuki (Bhambri) are ranked around 35 or 40. A combined ranking of 60 should get us into Paris draw, I am hopeful.

FS: How is it to be playing tennis even now, keep going on the tour?
RB: Well, it is obviously something I am enjoying. I am looking at continuing the same way. My family was there in London, so that keeps me going. The worst years of the Covid pandemic are behind, now, when I had to be so careful and there were so many restrictions.

Rohan Bopanna the ‘Coach’

FS: How is your mentoring programme going on, guiding guys in doubles?
RB: Oh yes, that is an important aspect of my life. I will continue to guide doubles specialists in India, always. The process is on. Be it professional players or even corporate guys who are playing doubles, I am there to advice and share my experiences. That was the plan when I first envisaged teaching in January 2023.

FS: How is it to be back home for a break?
RB: It is always nice to be home and meet own people. I guess travel will be there soon.

In case you missed it:

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• “Treated far too lightly” – Wimbledon’s fine to Novak Djokovic for his violent racket break upsets fans who demand stricter punishment for the Serb

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