Australian Open 2024: Rohan Bopanna Oldest Tennis World No 1
In a remarkable display of skill and longevity, India's tennis veteran Rohan Bopanna, at the age of 43, is set to become the oldest tennis world number one. His journey to this historic achievement took a significant leap as he and his partner Matthew Ebden triumphed in the Australian Open doubles, securing a spot in the semi-finals.
Inspiring a Generation: A Triumph for the 40 and Above
Bopanna expressed his joy and the potential impact of his achievement on people worldwide, especially those aged 40 and above. This groundbreaking feat serves as an inspiration, proving that age is no barrier to success in the fiercely competitive world of professional tennis.
A Hard-Fought Victory
The duo of Bopanna and Australian Ebden showcased their prowess by defeating the Argentine pair Maximo Gonzalez and Andres Molteni with a scoreline of 6-4, 7-6 (7-5). This win not only propels them into the semi-finals but also propels Bopanna to the pinnacle of the world rankings for the first time in his career.
Journey of Resilience: Bopanna's Career Highlights
Rohan Bopanna's journey to the top has been marked by resilience and notable achievements. Earlier, he became the oldest ATP Masters 1,000 champion alongside Ebden, clinching the Indian Wells doubles title in the previous season. His illustrious career includes a Grand Slam mixed doubles title at the 2017 French Open alongside Gabriela Dabrowski.
A Formula for Longevity: Credit to Physiotherapy and Yoga
Acknowledging the toll on his knees due to the lack of cartilage, Bopanna credited his physiotherapist and Iyengar yoga for his remarkable longevity. The strategic combination not only strengthened his body but also brought a sense of calmness to the tennis court. Bopanna emphasized that yoga played a crucial role in improving focus and eliminating the feeling of being rushed during matches.
Historic Monday Beckons: Bopanna to Claim the Top Spot
Come Monday, the world rankings will witness a historic shift as Rohan Bopanna is poised to claim the number one spot. While he and Ebden currently share the same points, the Australian has participated in three more tournaments over the same period. This achievement places Bopanna in a league of his own, surpassing the previous record held by Mike Bryan, who achieved the top men's doubles ranking at 41 years and 76 days.
Charting New Records: Serena Williams, Roger Federer, and Novak Djokovic
In the realm of tennis records, Serena Williams remains the oldest women's singles number one at 35, while Roger Federer holds the title for the oldest men's singles number one at 36. However, the evergreen Novak Djokovic, who shares the same age as Federer, stands on the brink of surpassing this record, a testament to the enduring prowess of these tennis legends.
Noteworthy Mention: David Wagner's Feat in Quad Wheelchair Rankings
Highlighting the diversity in tennis achievements, David Wagner secured the number one ranking in the quad wheelchair category at the age of 44 in 2018, showcasing that age is indeed just a number in the world of tennis.
Rohan Bopanna's impending ascent to the summit not only signifies a personal triumph but also serves as an inspiration to all athletes, proving that dedication, resilience, and a touch of yoga can lead to extraordinary achievements on the tennis court.
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