Sachin Tendulkar has lauded Rohan Bopanna's remarkable tennis journey, reacting emotionally to Bopanna's announcement that he would retire from representing India in international tennis. Tendulkar, a legendary figure in cricket, praised Bopanna's perseverance and unwavering belief, encapsulating it in a heartfelt message: "Belief that outlasted time".
Bopanna, now 45, revealed his decision on Saturday, November 1st, 2025, marking the end of an era where he consistently represented India with distinction on the global stage. While he is stepping back from national duties, Bopanna intends to continue competing on the ATP circuit, demonstrating his enduring passion for the sport. In a message titled “A Goodbye But Not the End,” Bopanna reflected on a career spanning over two decades, expressing the difficulty of bidding farewell to something that has defined his life.
Tendulkar's tribute underscores the significance of Bopanna's contribution to Indian sports. Bopanna's career is one of perseverance, skill, and immense dedication. Starting from humble beginnings in Coorg, he honed his skills on modest courts, eventually rising to become a Grand Slam champion and world number one.
Bopanna's achievements are a testament to his longevity and unwavering commitment. He reached the pinnacle of his career in 2024, becoming the oldest first-time World No. 1 in men's doubles at the age of 43, after winning the Australian Open men's doubles title with Matthew Ebden. This victory also made him the oldest Grand Slam men's doubles champion in the Open Era. Earlier, in 2017, he clinched the French Open mixed doubles title with Gabriela Dabrowski, marking his first Grand Slam win.
Throughout his career, Bopanna secured 26 ATP Tour doubles titles, including six Masters 1000 trophies. He consistently performed well in Grand Slam events, reaching four runner-up finishes, including two US Open men's doubles finals and two Australian Open mixed doubles finals. He represented India in three Olympic Games and was a key player in the Davis Cup team for 21 years. His dedication to the sport earned him the Padma Shri, India's fourth-highest civilian honor, in 2024.
Bopanna's journey is not just about records and titles; it's about inspiring people to believe in themselves, regardless of age. His message resonates deeply: "Representing India has been the greatest honour of my life. Each time I walked onto the court with the tricolour beside me, I felt its pride and its value".
Bopanna's career boasts several milestones. He became the oldest ATP Masters 1000 champion after winning the Indian Wells title in 2023, a record he later surpassed by winning the Miami Open in 2024. He is also only the second Indian player to reach the final at each of the nine Masters 1000 tournaments on the ATP Tour.
Sachin Tendulkar's emotional salute encapsulates the sentiment of a nation grateful for Rohan Bopanna's contributions to tennis. Bopanna's story is a reminder that with unwavering belief and relentless dedication, anything is possible.
