India’s Rohan Bopanna and his partner, Australian Matthew Ebden, showcased remarkable skill and tenacity to secure the Australian Open 2024 men’s doubles title with a hard-fought 7-6(0) 7-5 victory over the Italian team of Simone Bolelli and Andrea Vavassori on a vibrant Rod Laver Arena on January 27, 2024. This win crowns Bopanna, at 43 years of age, as the oldest player to ever win a Grand Slam title, breaking a significant record in the tennis world.
Bopanna’s perseverance throughout his career is further highlighted by this achievement as he had participated in 17 consecutive Australian Opens, including two close calls in mixed doubles finals in the past, before striking gold in men’s doubles. His partner, Ebden, not only praised Bopanna’s youthful spirit and fighting qualities but also celebrated their very first Grand Slam win together, which followed a narrow miss at the previous year’s U.S. Open final.
The road to victory wasn’t easy; the match was intensely competitive and showcased the teams’ formidable skills, with the second set particularly tense until Vavassori’s serve was broken. Bopanna and Ebden then held their nerve to close out the match. The duo expressed mutual admiration and attributed their success to their collaboration. With this victory, Bopanna is set to ascend to world number one in men’s doubles rankings, with Ebden following closely at number two.
In this monumental match that lasted one hour and 39 minutes, Bopanna not only achieved a personal milestone by becoming the third Indian to win a men’s doubles Grand Slam title, following in the footsteps of Leander Paes and Mahesh Bhupathi, but also set a new benchmark for longevity in the sport by becoming the oldest Grand Slam champion in men’s tennis history, surpassing the record previously held by Jean-Julien Rojer.
The finale was characterized by stellar serves and limited opportunities for breaks, with only one pivotal break of serve when Vavassori dropped his serve in the eleventh game of the second set. Both teams put on a strong front, saving breakpoints and delivering crucial shots under pressure.
The thrill of the match culminated in a tie-breaker during the first set, where Bopanna and Ebden seized control and showcased flawless teamwork to take an imposing lead and ultimately claim the set with a forehand winner from Ebden.
Their triumphant performance at the Australian Open, combined with Bopanna’s upcoming number one ranking, cements their status in the tennis elite and leaves an indelible mark on the sport’s history. Bopanna’s persistent pursuit of excellence and Ebden’s complementary prowess have paid off handsomely, earning them the prestigious title and the adoration of tennis fans worldwide.