Tennis

India's Rohan Bopanna and his Australian partner Matthew Ebden have advanced to the second round of the Wimbledon men's doubles event with a comfortable victory over Robin Haas and Sander Arends. The Indo-Australian duo cruised past their Dutch opponents 7-5, 6-4 in an hour and 11 minutes in a rain-interrupted match on July 3.Bopanna and Ebden, the second seeds and reigning Australian Open champions, will face Germany's Hendrik Jebens and Constantin Frantzen in the second round. The pair reached the semifinals of the season's third Grand Slam last year.Meanwhile, India's Sumit Nagal and his Serbian partner Dusan Lajovic were eliminated in the first round by Spaniards Pedro Martinez and Jaume Munar. Martinez and Munar won 6-2, 6-2 in one hour and seven minutes.India will have further representation in the men's doubles first round through N Sriram Balaji and Yuki Bhambri on July 4. Balaji will partner Britain's Luke Johnson and face fourth seeds Mate Pavic of Serbia and Marcelo Arevalo of El Salvador. Bhambri and France's Albano Olivetti will take on the Kazakh duo of Alexander Bublik and Alexander Shevchenko.

Rohan Bopanna, India's tennis legend, continues to defy age and inspire a new generation of athletes. At 43, he became the oldest player to win a Grand Slam title in the Open Era, igniting a renewed hunger for success.Bopanna's journey has been marked by perseverance and evolution. Since his French Open mixed doubles triumph in 2017, he has embraced a holistic approach to his game, emphasizing mental resilience and visualization. He credits his partnership with ASICS, whose "Sound Mind, Sound Body" philosophy aligns with his belief in the interconnectedness of physical and mental well-being.The Australian Open victory was a turning point for Bopanna. It reignited his passion and instilled a belief that he could continue competing at the highest level. While he acknowledges the challenges of replicating such a feat, he remains driven by the pursuit of excellence and the desire to inspire others.Bopanna's preparation for the Paris Olympics includes the French Open, a valuable lead-up tournament played on the same clay surface. He is confident that his experience and fine-tuned skills will serve him well in his quest for an Olympic gold medal.India's sporting landscape has witnessed a surge in support for tennis, with a new generation of athletes emerging. Bopanna sees this as a positive sign, attributing it to improved infrastructure, access to coaching, and a cultural shift that celebrates aspiring athletes. He believes that continued investment, mentorship, and showcasing young players' success will pave the way for the next generation of Indian tennis champions.Bopanna's advice to young players is to focus on building a well-rounded game, prioritize recovery, and listen to their bodies. He emphasizes the importance of a strong support system, including a dedicated coach and reliable gear. His partnership with ASICS provides him with the best-in-class footwear that caters to different surfaces and playing styles, allowing him to adapt and minimize injury risks.

The All India Tennis Association (AITA) has confirmed the participation of Sumit Nagal and the doubles pair of Rohan Bopanna and Sriram Balaji in the upcoming Paris Olympics. Nagal, ranked 71 in singles, has had a successful season, winning two Challenger titles and reaching the final of another. He also had a remarkable run at the Australian Open, where he qualified and defeated Alexander Bublik of Kazakhstan, a top-20 professional.Bopanna and Balaji have been a formidable doubles team, consistently performing well on the ATP Tour. They have won multiple titles together and have represented India at the Davis Cup. Their experience and chemistry will be crucial for India's medal hopes in Paris.Nagal's inclusion in the Olympic squad is a testament to his hard work and dedication. He has been a rising star in Indian tennis for several years and has consistently improved his ranking. His success at the Challenger level and his performance at the Australian Open have demonstrated his potential to compete at the highest level.Bopanna and Balaji's selection is a recognition of their consistent performances and their ability to perform under pressure. They have been a reliable doubles team for India and have played a key role in the country's success in international competitions.The AITA has expressed its confidence in the trio, stating that they will make the nation proud and inspire future generations of tennis players in India. The Paris Olympics will be a major test for the Indian tennis team, and the presence of Nagal, Bopanna, and Balaji will give them a strong chance of success.

The All India Tennis Association (AITA) has officially confirmed that Rohan Bopanna and N Sriram Balaji will represent India in the men's doubles event at the 2024 Paris Olympics. This decision marks a significant milestone for Indian tennis, as Bopanna and Balaji have qualified for the prestigious Games.Bopanna, a seasoned veteran with over two decades of experience, has set his sights on winning an Olympic medal in his final appearance at the Games. The 44-year-old has chosen Balaji as his partner, recognizing his exceptional court coverage and agility.The selection committee, led by former Davis Cup Captain Nandan Bal, carefully considered all options before making their decision. Yuki Bhambri, India's number two doubles player, was also in contention, but Balaji's superior mobility ultimately swayed the committee in his favor.Balachandran Manikkath, who is closely associated with Bopanna's Sports School in Bengaluru, will serve as the team's coach. Rebecca Van Orshaegen will provide physiotherapy support.The AITA expressed its excitement over the qualification of Bopanna and Balaji, stating, "Their journey to the Olympics marks a significant milestone for Indian tennis."Bopanna and Balaji will now focus on preparing for the Paris Games, aiming to make a strong impact on the world stage. Their experience and determination will be crucial as they strive to bring home an Olympic medal for India.

Rohan Bopanna, India's veteran doubles specialist, has chosen N Sriram Balaji as his partner for the upcoming Paris Olympics. The decision was conveyed to the All India Tennis Association (AITA) in a letter, and is unlikely to face any objections.Balaji, who impressed with his performance at the French Open, has been a consistent performer on the ATP Challenger Tour. His strong serve and impressive net play caught Bopanna's attention, who believes he is the ideal partner for his final shot at an Olympic medal.Bopanna, who is only the third Indian to win a Grand Slam title, came close to winning a medal at the Rio Games in 2016. However, he and Sania Mirza lost the mixed doubles bronze match to the Czech combination of Radek Stepanek and Lucie Hradecka.The 44-year-old Bopanna is determined to make the most of his last opportunity to win an Olympic medal. He believes that Balaji's skills and experience will complement his own, giving them a strong chance of success in Paris.AITA Secretary General Anil Dhupar has expressed support for Bopanna's choice, stating that Balaji is a talented player who has proven himself on the international stage. The selection panel, headed by former Davis Cupper Nandan Bal, is also expected to endorse the decision.Yuki Bhambri, India's number two doubles player, was also in contention for the spot. However, Balaji's impressive performance at the French Open and his strong partnership with Bopanna in the past seem to have swayed the decision in his favor.The ATP/WTA rankings on June 10 will be considered for entries, and the ITF has to notify all Associations about their qualified athletes by June 12. All NOCs will have to confirm their entries to the ITF by June 19. The ITF will reallocate the unused quota places on July 8.

Rohan Bopanna and Matthew Ebden displayed resilience and determination to overcome a spirited challenge from N Sriram Balaji and MA Reyes-Varela Martinez in the French Open men's doubles third round. The second-seeded Indo-Australian duo rallied from a one-set deficit to secure a hard-fought 6-7(2) 6-3 7-6 (10-8) victory on Monday.The opening set was a closely contested affair, with both pairs holding serve comfortably. However, Balaji and Reyes-Varela seized the initiative in the tie-break, racing to a 4-1 lead. Despite Bopanna and Ebden's efforts, the unseeded pair converted their first set point with a wide serve.Undeterred, Bopanna and Ebden regrouped in the second set. They broke Balaji's serve early on and maintained their advantage throughout, forcing a third set. The deciding set was a tense battle, with neither pair able to gain a decisive edge.As the set progressed, the games were held at love, highlighting the intensity of the competition. Ebden faced pressure serving at 5-6 but delivered under duress. The Super Tie-breaker was equally gripping, with the pairs locked at 6-6.However, Balaji's double fault at 7-8 handed Bopanna and Ebden two match points. They saved the first when Ebden's overhead smash went into the net, but the Australian found a winner on the next to seal the victory.Bopanna, who is yet to finalize his partner for the Paris Games, will have been impressed by Balaji's performance. The seasoned Coorgi is only the third Indian to win Grand Slam titles and has the choice to select his partner for the Games.

Second seeds Rohan Bopanna and Matthew Ebden faced a stern test in their French Open opener, overcoming a spirited challenge from Brazilian duo Orlnado Luz and Marcelo Zormann in a thrilling three-set encounter.The Brazilians, who entered the tournament as eighth alternates, proved to be formidable opponents, pushing the Australian Open champions to the limit. The first set was a see-saw battle, with both teams trading breaks. Bopanna and Ebden eventually prevailed 7-5, but not without a fight from Luz and Zormann.The second set saw the Brazilians seize the initiative, breaking Ebden's serve in the opening game. However, the second seeds responded with a break of their own, and the set remained on serve until the eighth game. Luz and Zormann had four set points to level the match, but Bopanna and Ebden held firm to break back and take the set 6-4.The third set was equally competitive, with both teams holding serve until the fifth game. Bopanna and Ebden finally broke through, and they held on to their advantage to close out the match 6-4.Despite the Brazilians' valiant effort, the experience of Bopanna and Ebden proved decisive. The second seeds showed their class in the crucial moments, shifting momentum in their favor when it mattered most.

Rohan Bopanna, the world's fourth-ranked doubles player, is eagerly anticipating the upcoming French Open. The tournament holds special significance for him as it will be played at Roland-Garros, the venue for the Paris Olympics in 2024. Bopanna, who will be competing in the men's doubles category, is determined to make a strong showing.Despite a subpar clay-court season so far, Bopanna remains optimistic. He believes that the last three Grand Slams, where he reached the semifinals at Wimbledon, the final at the US Open, and won the Australian Open, have instilled confidence in him and his partner, Matthew Ebden.Bopanna acknowledges that clay is not their strongest surface, but he and Ebden are adapting and enjoying the challenge. They are confident in their abilities, having won a Grand Slam on clay (French Open 2017, mixed doubles) and Masters 1000s at Madrid (2015) and Monte Carlo (2017).The upcoming French Open will also mark a milestone for Indian tennis. For the second consecutive Slam, India will have representation in both doubles and singles, with Sumit Nagal qualifying directly into the main draw. Bopanna believes this is a significant boost for the sport in India.

Yuki Bhambri, India's No. 2 doubles player, is aiming for a berth at the Paris Olympics after a successful start to the season. Bhambri, who won his second ATP doubles title in Munich with Albano Olivetti, has set his sights on improving his Slam results and climbing the rankings.With the Olympics deadline approaching after the French Open, Bhambri is eager to represent India in Paris. However, the choice of partner remains uncertain, with Rohan Bopanna, the current world No. 2, likely to be the frontrunner. Bhambri acknowledges that the decision is out of his control but believes his recent performances make him a strong candidate.Bhambri has made significant strides in doubles since switching from singles last year. His partnership with Saketh Myneni helped him climb the rankings, and he has since competed consistently on the ATP tour. Bhambri has made three semi-finals and won a title this season, partnering with Robin Haase and Olivetti.The 31-year-old is focused on improving his net play and volleying, working with three coaches: Aditya Sachdeva, Balachandran Manikkath, and Raven Klaasen. He believes that their combined experience and guidance have contributed to his progress.Bhambri's immediate goal is to continue improving his rankings and competing for titles at the Masters and Slams. He is confident that he has the potential to succeed at the highest level and is determined to make the most of the upcoming opportunities.