'One of Greatest Stories in Indian Sport': Mahesh Bhupati Hails Rohan Bopanna After Historic World No. 1 Ranking

Rohan Bopanna continues to rewrite history having become the world’s oldest no. 1 tennis player on Wednesday. Bopanna, combined with Matthew Ebden to enter the semi-finals of the ongoing 2024 Australian Open in Melbourne to ensure he will be sitting at the top of the ATP Men’s Doubles rankings when they are updated on Monday.

Also Read: Rohan Bopanna Becomes World’s Oldest No. 1 Player

India legend Mahesh Bhupathi, a 12-time Grand Slam champion, feels that the 43-year-old Bopanna’s resurgence is one of the ‘greatest stories of Indian sport.

“Rohan Bopanna getting to World Number 1 today after 20 years on tour in my opinion is one of the greatest stories in Indian Sport!!!,” Bhupati posted on X (formerly Twitter).

India tennis star Sumit Nagal, who created a history of his own by becoming the first ever from his country in 35 years to beat a seeded player in a Grand Slam tournament, thanked Bopanna for being an inspiration.

“World No.1 looks good on you, Bopsy. Thanks for always inspiring us,” Nagal wrote.

Bopanna and Edben defeated Argentinian duo of Máximo González and Andrés Molteni in straight sets – 6-4, 7-6 (5) – during a contest that was slightly delayed after bubbles started appearing on the court due to overnight rain in Melbourne.

Bopanna did admit he was surprised to see the bubbles.

“First of all, Thank you guys, amazing (support). This was the court meant for us. We needed the change, needed the bubbles there (chuckles). I think this is the first time I have seen something like this here. But we’re supposed to get used to it as professionals. Matt came out and served well,” he said.

The ATP rankings will be updated on Monday and then Bopanna will officially become the world no. 1. His partner Ebden will also see his ranking improve to no. 2.

Last year, Bopanna and Ebden had reached the final of the US Open. Bopanna thus became the oldest man in Open Era to play in the final of a Grand Slam event.

Bopanna-Ebden will next taken on Zhang Zhizhen of China and Czech Republic’s Tomáš Macháč in the semi-finals.