Tennis

Rohan Bopanna, India's veteran doubles specialist, bid farewell to his illustrious international career with a first-round exit at the Paris Olympics. Partnering with N Sriram Balaji, Bopanna succumbed to the French duo of Edouard Roger-Vasselin and Gael Monfils in a thrilling encounter.Despite the disappointing result, Bopanna expressed contentment with his 22-year-long journey representing India. He acknowledged that an Olympic medal had eluded Indian tennis since Leander Paes' historic bronze in 1996, but he remained proud of his contributions."This will definitely go down as my last event for the country," Bopanna declared, ruling out any participation in the 2026 Asian Games. He had previously announced his retirement from the Davis Cup.Reflecting on his career highlights, Bopanna singled out his fifth-rubber victory against Ricardo Mello in the 2010 Davis Cup tie against Brazil as his most memorable moment. He also cherished his Grand Slam doubles triumph and his rise to world No. 1.Bopanna expressed gratitude to his wife, Supriya, for her unwavering support throughout his journey. He hinted at a potential future involvement in the administration of the All India Tennis Association (AITA).Regarding Sunday's match, Bopanna acknowledged the impact of Monfils' presence on the court. "He told me it was the best doubles match he's played," Bopanna said. "He was hitting the ball extremely heavy."Despite the loss, Bopanna praised Balaji's performance, noting that he played "extremely well" despite some crucial lapses.The Indian duo faced a passionate crowd supporting the French players, but Bopanna commended their respectful behavior during the match. "I don't think I've played in this kind of atmosphere even in Davis Cup in India," he remarked.

N. Sriram Balaji, the soft-spoken tennis player, is determined to make the most of his opportunity at the Paris Olympics. Chosen as Rohan Bopanna's partner, Balaji is eager to prove his worth and avoid disappointing his senior.Balaji's journey to the Olympics has been a long one. Despite years of toil on the ATP tour, he had to wait until the age of 34 for his chance to represent India in the Davis Cup. Now, with the biggest stage of all before him, the Coimbatore player is determined to make a mark."More than a player, I would like to be the best person on the court and off the court as well," Balaji said. "I never thought about (playing) the Olympics."Balaji's humility and desire to excel have impressed Bopanna, who has been a great mentor to the younger player. Even when Balaji makes mistakes, Bopanna remains supportive and encouraging."He wants to do everything perfectly, and Rohan is a great mentor," said Balachandran, the Indian tennis team's traveling coach. "Even if Balaji makes a mistake, or if he does not do well in practice sets, Rohan would not say much to Bala. Even if he is annoyed, he won't show."The Indian team, with a combined age of 78, faces a tough challenge in Paris. The field is star-studded, featuring the Spanish duo of Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz, among others. Balachandran believes that the team's performance in the opening match will be crucial."For me, the first match is the key," Balachandran said. "After that, every team is beatable. I will keep my fingers crossed for them to get through the first match, then I will put my money on them."The Indian team will open their campaign against the French duo of Fabien Reboul and Edouard Roger-Vasselin. The coach is hopeful that the prevailing hot conditions will work in their favor."Compared to the usual clay court tournament, here right now the conditions with the ball and the weather are a little faster," Balachandran said. "The ball is also traveling faster, which for our boys is the best condition."

India's top singles player Sumit Nagal will embark on his Paris Olympics campaign with a challenging first-round encounter against French opponent Corentin Moutet. Nagal, currently ranked 80th in the world, holds a 2-2 head-to-head record against Moutet, who is ranked 68th.If Nagal emerges victorious from the opening round, he could potentially face a formidable opponent in the second round: Australian world number six Alex di Minaur. Di Minaur, who reached the Wimbledon quarterfinals this year, withdrew from his last-eight clash against Novak Djokovic due to a hip injury.In the men's doubles, Rohan Bopanna and N Sriram Balaji will face the French team of Fabien Reboul and Edouard Roger-Vasselin. Bopanna, a seasoned doubles specialist, has previously partnered with Roger-Vasselin on the ATP Tour.This Olympics marks Bopanna's final opportunity to secure an Olympic medal. In 2016, he narrowly missed out on a podium finish, placing fourth in the mixed doubles event with Sania Mirza.Nagal's Olympic debut is a significant milestone for Indian tennis. His performance in Paris will be closely watched by fans and experts alike, as he aims to make a deep run in the tournament and potentially challenge some of the world's top players.

Former doubles world number one Leander Paes and tennis broadcaster, actor, and player Vijay Amritraj became the first Asian men inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame on July 20. The induction ceremony at the Hall of Fame in Newport, Rhode Island, marked a historic moment for Indian tennis.Paes, 51, is an 18-time Grand Slam champion in doubles and mixed doubles. He honed his skills at an Amritraj youth academy and was selected in the player category. Paes recounted his early days playing football and hockey before switching to tennis, following in the footsteps of his hockey-captain father, who was an Olympic medalist."It's my greatest honor to be on this stage with not only these legends of the game, people who have inspired me every single day of my life -- not because you've only won Grand Slams, not because you've shaped our sport but every single one of these people have shaped the world we live in," Paes said. "I would like to thank you so much for giving this Indian boy hope."Amritraj, 70, played from 1970 until retiring in 1993. He won 15 ATP singles titles and 399 matches, reaching a career-high ranking of 18th in the world. Amritraj also helped India reach the Davis Cup finals in 1974 and 1987.After his playing days, Amritraj became involved in humanitarian causes, supported ATP and WTA events in India, and acted in the James Bond and Star Trek movie series. "A feeling came over me that I had never experienced," Amritraj said of learning about his election to the Hall. "This was an honor not just for me, for my family, for my parents, but for all of my fellow Indians and my country who live around the world."Like Amritraj, British tennis journalist and author Richard Evans was inducted in the contributor category for his lifetime impact on the sport.Paes and Amritraj's induction made India the 28th nation represented in the Hall of Fame. Paes emphasized the significance of their achievement for Indian tennis and the inspiration it provides to young players."Playing for 1.4 billion people could either be pressure or it could be wind within your wings," Paes said. "I'd like to thank every single one of my countrymen who supported me, who stood by through all the ups and downs, and we've been through a few, but you all were the inspiration, the support, you were even the strength to guide me through when even I didn't believe."Paes's career highlights include Grand Slams in both men's and mixed doubles, completing a career Grand Slam in men's by winning the 2012 Australian Open and in mixed by capturing the 2016 French Open. He also won the 1996 Atlanta Olympics bronze medal.Amritraj's contributions to tennis extend beyond his playing career. He has been a vocal advocate for the sport in India and has played a key role in promoting tennis at the grassroots level.The induction of Paes and Amritraj into the International Tennis Hall of Fame is a testament to their exceptional achievements and their enduring impact on the sport. Their stories serve as an inspiration to young tennis players around the world, particularly in India, and their legacy will continue to shape the future of tennis for generations to come.

Vijay Amritraj, a tennis legend from India, has made an indelible mark on the sport both on and off the court. His induction into the International Tennis Hall of Fame (ITHF) as the first Asian man alongside Leander Paes is a testament to his exceptional achievements and unwavering commitment to the game.Amritraj's journey to tennis stardom was not without its challenges. Growing up with severe health issues, he found solace and strength in the sport. With the unwavering support of his parents and brothers, Anand and Ashok, who also became world-class players, Amritraj overcame adversity to emerge as a formidable force on the tennis circuit.In 1973, at the age of 19, Amritraj made a stunning debut at Wimbledon, reaching the quarterfinals in singles. His remarkable victories over tennis greats Rod Laver and Jimmy Connors cemented his status as a rising star. Throughout his career, Amritraj amassed 28 ATP titles, including eight doubles titles alongside his brother Anand. He achieved a career-high singles ranking of 18 in 1980 and led India to two Davis Cup finals.Beyond his on-court accomplishments, Amritraj has dedicated his life to using tennis as a platform for social change. The Vijay Amritraj Foundation, established nearly two decades ago, provides support to individuals affected by disease and tragedy. As a United Nations Messenger of Peace, Amritraj has tirelessly advocated for awareness and action against HIV/AIDS and drug abuse.Amritraj's influence extends beyond the tennis court. He has starred in Hollywood films such as "Octopussy" and "Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home." His career as a tennis commentator began in 1992, where he has shared his insights and expertise with audiences worldwide.Amritraj's induction into the ITHF is a fitting tribute to his exceptional contributions to tennis and his unwavering commitment to using the sport as a force for good. His legacy as a player, humanitarian, and ambassador for the game will continue to inspire generations to come.

Sumit Nagal, India's top-ranked tennis player, has achieved a career-high ranking of 68 in the latest ATP singles chart, released on Monday. This marks a significant milestone for the 26-year-old, who has been steadily climbing the rankings in recent years.Nagal's rise to the top has been fueled by a string of impressive performances. He began the year with a victory over Alexander Bublik, the 31st seed from Kazakhstan, at the Australian Open. He also competed at the French Open and Wimbledon, showcasing his skills on the grandest stages of tennis.In addition to his Grand Slam appearances, Nagal has also triumphed in several ATP Challenger events. Earlier this month, he won the men's singles crown at the Heilbronn Neckarcup 2024 Challenger event in Germany, marking his fourth Challenger title on clay. He also won the Chennai Open in February, further solidifying his status as India's top singles player.Nagal's success has not only earned him a career-high ranking but has also secured his spot in the singles event at the upcoming Paris Olympics. He will be the sole Indian representative in the men's singles competition, carrying the hopes of his nation on his shoulders.Nagal's journey to the top has been marked by hard work, dedication, and unwavering determination. He has overcome challenges and setbacks along the way, but his resilience and belief in his abilities have propelled him to new heights.As Nagal prepares for the Paris Olympics, he will undoubtedly face stiff competition from the world's best tennis players. However, his recent performances have demonstrated that he has the talent and the mental fortitude to compete at the highest level. India will be rooting for him to make history and bring home a medal from the prestigious sporting event.

Rohan Bopanna, the veteran Indian tennis player, is gearing up for his final Olympic hurrah in Paris. Despite not having the strongest of partners, Bopanna is confident in his pairing with N Sriram Balaji, believing they have the potential to challenge the top teams.Bopanna, 44, had to choose between Balaji and Yuki Bhambri for the men's doubles event at the Paris Olympics. After consulting his coaches, he opted for Balaji, citing his athleticism and agility on clay courts."I really believe that when we go out there, we genuinely have a chance to win every match, whoever we play against," Bopanna said. "It's not like we're just going to be written off."Bopanna's confidence stems from Balaji's impressive performances on the ATP Tour. Balaji has defeated top-10 players Rajeev Ram and Austin Krajicek, and has shown adaptability by playing singles in the Davis Cup tie against Pakistan."Balaji definitely has the firepower to do well," Bopanna said. "He's more agile and explosive on clay, which is the surface we'll be playing on."Bopanna acknowledged that it was a difficult choice between Balaji and Bhambri, but he believes Balaji is the better fit for the clay surface."Bala has similar capabilities as Matthew Ebden, who I'm playing with on the Tour," Bopanna said. "Bala is fast and quick, but Ebden has more experience. Bala hasn't played at that level much."In Paris, Bopanna will have to take on the leadership role, as he has done in the past with illustrious teammates like Leander Paes, Mahesh Bhupathi, and Sania Mirza."There is nobody currently in the country who has played that kind of experience as Matthew Ebden," Bopanna said. "So, no matter who I played with on the country, it would be the same scenario."Bopanna and Balaji plan to compete in a couple of ATP events, starting with the Hamburg Open, to prepare for the Olympics."We want to get to know each other better and try to prepare better than what we have done before," Bopanna said.Bopanna and Balaji are not just aiming to participate in the Olympics; they believe they have a chance to medal."Every athlete who goes into Olympics wants to win a medal," Bopanna said. "There is 100 percent that belief. We want to do better than the previous time. That's how life is. You want to do better. You want to keep going higher and higher."

India's top-ranked tennis player, Sumit Nagal, has advanced to the second round of the Braunschweig ATP Challenger in Braunschweig, Germany. The Olympic-bound Nagal, seeded second, cruised to a 6-1, 6-4 victory over Brazil's Felipe Meligeni Alves in the clay event on Tuesday.Nagal, currently ranked 73rd in the world, will face Argentina's Pedro Cachin in the round of 16 on Wednesday. The tournament serves as preparation for the Paris Olympics, which begins later this month at the Roland Garros Stadium.Last week, Nagal exited Wimbledon in the first round, losing to higher-ranked Miomir Kecmanovic of Serbia. However, he has enjoyed a successful season thus far, qualifying for the main draw of the Australian Open and stunning 31st-seeded Alexander Bublik of Kazakhstan in the opening round.Nagal also qualified for the main draw of the Indian Wells Masters and Monte-Carlo Masters, the ATP 1000 events. He has won two Challenger events this season: the Heilbronn Challenger and the Chennai Open ATP Challenger. He also competed at the French Open, losing in the opening round.Nagal's success is a testament to his hard work and dedication. He is a rising star in Indian tennis and has the potential to achieve even greater heights in the future.

India's top singles player Sumit Nagal is set to make history at Wimbledon, becoming the first Indian male to compete in the men's singles main draw since 2018. Nagal, currently ranked 72nd in the world, will face a formidable challenge in his first-round match against Miomir Kecmanovic of Serbia, ranked 53rd.Nagal's path to the third round could potentially lead him to a clash with world number one Jannik Sinner, who is seeded first in the tournament. However, even reaching the second round will be a significant hurdle, as Nagal must overcome Kecmanovic, who defeated him in their only previous encounter four years ago.If Nagal manages to advance past the opening round, he will face the winner of the match between Pablo Carreno Busta of Spain and Tallon Griekspoor of the Netherlands. Nagal has previously lost in the first round of Wimbledon qualifiers in 2018, but he has enjoyed a successful season so far, qualifying for the Australian Open main draw and winning the Chennai Open ATP Challenger.In men's doubles, veteran Indian Rohan Bopanna and his Australian partner Matthew Ebden, seeded second, will take on Adrian Mannarino and Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard of France in the first round. Bopanna and Ebden, the reigning Australian Open champions, reached the semifinals of Wimbledon last year.Another Indian, N Sriram Balaji, will partner with British player Luke Johnson to face the fourth-seeded Croatian-Salvadorian combination of Mate Pavic and Marcelo Arevalo, who won the French Open this year. Yuki Bhambri and his French partner Albano Olivetti will meet the Kazakh duo of Alexander Bublik and Alexander Shevchenko, while Nagal and Serbia's Dusan Lajovic will take on Pedro Martinez and Jaume Munar of Spain.Nagal's participation in Wimbledon marks a significant milestone for Indian tennis, and his performance will be closely watched by fans around the country.