"It was not a perfect way" - Fans react as Rohan Bopanna announces retirement after an early exit from Paris Olympics 2024
Indian tennis player Rohan Bopanna announced his national team retirement on Monday after he and his partner N Sriram Balaji lost to the French duo Edouard Roger-Vasselin and Gael Monfils in the opening round of the men's doubles event at the Paris Olympics 2024.
Fans took to social media to congratulate the 44-year-old on his national team career, which spanned over 22 years.
“It was not a perfect way to end his India career but Rohan Bopanna would take the early exit from the Paris Olympics on the chin, content that he could live his dream for 22 years,” one fan wrote on X.
“Rohan Bopanna says he has played his last game in India colors. An absolute champion, who always gave his best. A pure role model. Sad that the #Paris2024 campaign came to an end on this note. Nevertheless, he can be extremely proud,” another fan wrote about Bopanna.
One fan expressed his pride at the career of Bopanna, who represented India at three Olympic Games.
“Best wishes Rohan Bopanna as you bid goodbye to playing for India. I am sure you have many more matches in your pro career. No more dreaming about Asian Games. Proud of what you did for India in Davis Cup and Olympics,” the fan wrote.
One fan wishfully claimed that the former World No. 1 doubles player should not retire at the moment. The fan wrote:
“Unpopular Opinion:- I, personally don't want Rohan Bopanna to retire just yet there is still a lot for him to contribute at all Levels for Indian Tennis. Work more on Doubles Project with Women's & Mixed Doubles included making India a Doubles Powerhouse.”
“Rohan Bopanna retires.. Been a stalwart for Indian Tennis,” one fan wrote.
Even former tennis player Nitin Kirtane chimed in, posting:
“My good friend @rohanbopanna has been carrying torch of Indian tennis along with fellow mates @Leander @Maheshbhupathi @MirzaSania all grand slam winners proud of all of them wishing @rohanbopanna best of luck for upcoming major ATP events!“
“My last event for the country” - Rohan Bopanna retires from national team duty
Rohan Bopanna, who at 44 was already the oldest member of the Indian contingent at the Paris Olympics 2024, lost in the opening round of the men’s doubles event along with his partner N Sriram Balaji. The duo lost their match against Edouard Roger-Vasselin and Gael Monfils with the score 7-5, 6-2.
“This will definitely go down as my last event for the country. I totally understand where I am and now, I am just going to be enjoying the tennis circuit as long as that goes,” Bopannaa said after the match, according to PTI.
“I never even thought that I'll be representing India for two decades. Right from 2002, making my debut and 22 years later still getting to represent India. I'm extremely proud of that,” he added.
With his retirement announcement, Bopanna has effectively ruled himself out of the upcoming 2026 Asian Games.