After a thrilling three-set semifinal match against Thomas Machac and Zhang Zhishen, India’s Rohan Bopanna and partner Matthew Ebden advanced to the Australia Open men’s doubles tennis final.
India’s Rohan Bopanna and partner Matthew Ebden advance to the Australia Open men’s doubles tennis final after defeating Thomas Machac and Zhang Zhishen in a thrilling three-set semifinal. Bopanna-Ebden easily won the first set, 6-3, but lost the second, 3-6. The third set saw both partners give it their all, forcing a tie-breaker. Bopanna and Ebden maintained their composure to win the tiebreaker 10-7. Bopanna shattered his own record for being the oldest man in a Grand Slam final while preparing to play.
Bopanna is making his Australian Open final debut. Bopanna and Ebden both made it to the final of his most recent Grand Slam (the US Open 2023).
The second-seeded Indo-Australian couple encountered great fight from their opponents in the third set, but their experience playing Super Tie Breakers allowed them finish with a 6-3 3-6 7-6 (10-7) score after two hours and two minutes.
A day after being assured of becoming the world’s number one player, Bopanna served brilliantly on key points and pulled out the strokes and techniques when they were needed the most.
Bopanna has twice reached the US Open final (in 2013 and 2023), but he has yet to win a Major title.
He will have the opportunity to check that box on Saturday, as he nears the end of his career at 43.
Bopanna once had the world number one ranking in men’s doubles tennis due to his excellent form. The 43-year-old, paired with Matthew Ebden, reached the Australian Open semi-finals for the first time in his long career.
In an interview with Sony Sports Network, Bopanna stated that his experience in the sport was “absolutely amazing.” He also mentioned how important this win was for Indian tennis.
“It feels absolutely great to be where I am now, especially after 20 years of being in the sport and continually striving for the top level. This was just what Indian tennis needed. Growing up, you had idols and people who inspired you while you watched sports. I hope my success in reaching number one inspires someone back home. With all of the support I’ve gotten over the previous two decades, I feel compelled to give back to the entire country,” Bopanna stated.
