‘Serves’ as an Act of Service: As Rohan Bopanna announces retirement, an era ends, while a legacy begins…

Bengaluru: The cheers that followed Rohan Bopanna across the world’s biggest tennis arenas fell silent on Saturday, as the 45-year-old Indian doubles ace announced his retirement from professional tennis at the end of the 2025 season — closing a glorious 22-year chapter of grit, grace and greatness.

His farewell match came at the Paris Masters 1000, where Bopanna and Kazakhstan’s Alexander Bublik fell to John Peers and James Tracy 5-7, 6-2, 10-8 in a tense Round of 32 encounter.

As he waved to the crowd for the final time, it was more than a goodbye — it was a salute to a remarkable journey that began in the coffee hills of Coorg and ended under the glittering lights of Paris.

From Coorg to Centre Court

Few Indian sportspersons have carried the tricolour with as much consistency and pride as Rohan Bopanna. Born in Coorg, Karnataka, Bopanna’s story is one of perseverance and late bloom.

Turning professional in 2003, he spent years battling the odds before finding his calling in doubles and mixed doubles.

The high point came in 2017, when he captured the French Open mixed doubles crown with Gabriela Dabrowski. But it was his 2024 Australian Open men’s doubles triumph, at age 43, that turned him into a symbol of ageless excellence.

The victory not only made him the oldest Grand Slam champion in Open Era men’s doubles history, but also took him to World No. 1 — a testament to his enduring class.

“From chopping wood in Coorg to standing under the lights of the biggest arenas — it all feels surreal,” he said in his retirement note.

A gentleman-warrior

Known for his booming serve, sharp reflexes, and calm demeanour, Bopanna was more than an athlete — he was an ambassador of Indian tennis. His career includes five Grand Slam finals, including the 2017 French Open title, and two ATP Finals appearances (2012 with Mahesh Bhupathi and 2015 with Florin Mergea).

He was a mainstay of India’s Davis Cup and Olympic teams, his presence bringing both experience and pride to the national squad.

Off the court, he earned respect for his humility and mentorship of young players.

“Representing India has been the greatest honour of my life. Every serve, every point, every match — I played for that flag,” he said in his farewell message.

A farewell from the heart

In an emotional post titled ‘A Goodbye… But Not The End’, Bopanna thanked his family, coaches, and fans for their unwavering support. His words to his daughter, Tridha, stood out thus: “Every match I played in these last years, I played for you — to show that dreams are worth fighting for, and that kindness and courage matter more than winning.”

He also paid tribute to his wife Supriya, calling her “the quiet reason behind every success,” and his long-time coach Scott Davidoff, “the mentor who shaped the man behind the player.”

Beyond the baseline

Though stepping away from competition, Bopanna’s relationship with tennis is far from over. In his parting note, he vowed to give back to the game, guiding young players from small towns to believe in themselves.

“My story with tennis isn’t over. I want to help young dreamers believe that beginnings don’t define limits. With belief, hard work and heart — anything is possible,” he said.

A lasting legacy

Rohan Bopanna’s name will forever be etched among India’s sporting greats — alongside the likes of Leander Paes, Mahesh Bhupathi, and Sania Mirza. Yet, his story stands apart for one simple reason: longevity with purpose.

From Coorg’s cracked courts to Grand Slam glory, he showed that age and background are no barriers to dreams. For Indian tennis, his farewell marks not an ending, but an enduring reminder — that resilience can serve you farther than power ever could.

As he leaves the court for the final time, Rohan Bopanna’s serve may fall silent, but his legacy will continue to echo — in every young player who dares to dream.