In a remarkable display of skill and perseverance, Rohan Bopanna has etched his name in tennis history by becoming the oldest male player to win a Grand Slam tennis title. At 43 years and 329 days old, Bopanna, alongside his partner Matthew Ebden, clinched the men’s doubles title at the Australian Open in Melbourne on January 27, 2024.
The No. 2 seeds triumphed in a thrilling final on Rod Laver Arena, defeating the unseeded Italian duo of Simone Bolelli and Andrea Vavassori with a hard-fought 7–6, 7–5 victory. This triumph marks a monumental achievement for Bopanna, who claimed his first-ever Grand Slam men’s doubles title after an incredible 61 attempts, having made his Australian Open debut back in 2008.
For Bopanna, this victory was more than just a title; it was a culmination of years of dedication, determination, and a testament to the power of experience in the fast-paced world of tennis. “It’s a dream come true to win my first Grand Slam title after so many years. I’ve always believed in hard work, and today it has paid off,” said Bopanna after the match.
Bopanna’s victory adds to his legacy as one of India’s most accomplished doubles players and serves as an inspiration to athletes worldwide, proving that age is no barrier to success. His historic win surpasses the previous record held by Ken Rosewall, who had previously been the oldest male Grand Slam winner, a title he claimed at the Australian Open in 1972 at the age of 45.
Although Bopanna now holds the record as the oldest male winner of a Grand Slam tennis title, the overall record for the oldest Grand Slam winner still belongs to Martina Navratilova. The legendary Czech-American tennis icon, at 49 years and 326 days old, won the US Open mixed doubles title in 2006, partnering with Bob Bryan, marking the 59th and final Grand Slam victory of her illustrious career.
Bopanna’s victory at the Australian Open is a fitting reminder that tennis, often seen as a sport dominated by youth, can still offer new chapters of success for those who refuse to let go of their passion.
