“Rohan Bopanna Retires From India Colours After Olympics Disappointment: ‘Last Event For Country'”

It wasn’t the ideal conclusion to his India career, but Rohan Bopanna accepts the early exit from the Paris Olympics, satisfied that he lived his dream for 22 years. Bopanna and N Sriram Balaji were defeated by the French duo of Edouard Roger-Vasselin and Gael Monfils in the men’s doubles first round on Sunday night. Indian tennis has not secured an Olympic medal since Leander Paes’ historic singles bronze in the 1996 Atlanta Games. Bopanna nearly broke this streak in 2016, finishing fourth with Sania Mirza in the mixed event.

“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,” Bopanna said, confirming his withdrawal from the 2026 Asian Games in Japan. He has also announced his retirement from the Davis Cup.

“This is already a big bonus for where I am. I never even thought that I’d be representing India for two decades. From my debut in 2002, to 22 years later still representing India, I’m extremely proud of that,” he added, his voice filled with joy.

Bopanna highlighted his victory against Ricardo Mello in the Davis Cup tie against Brazil in 2010 as his top moment while playing for India. “That is definitely the one in Davis Cup history. That is by far my best moment, no question. That one in Chennai and then winning that five-setter doubles in Bangalore against Serbia,” he said.

“Playing with Lee (Leander Paes), with Hesh (Mahesh Bhupathi) as a captain, it was the best team atmosphere. We had incredible team camaraderie with Somdev Devverman and me playing singles, and all of us fighting it out,” he reminisced. “Of course, winning my first men’s doubles Grand Slam and becoming world No. 1. I am thankful to my wife, Supriya, who has made many sacrifices on this journey.”

Bopanna has been supporting India’s doubles players through his program and expressed interest in being involved with the All India Tennis Association (AITA) in the future. “I will surely look at those positions when I am ready. I don’t want to do it while I am still competing and traveling because I won’t be able to give my hundred percent commitment towards that.”

Reflecting on Sunday’s match, Bopanna noted that Monfils’ presence made a significant difference. Monfils had replaced Fabien Reboul at the last minute. “Monfils told me it was the best doubles match he has played. He was hitting the ball extremely heavy after his singles match. Despite that, we still had our chances,” he said.

The fan support for the local players was immense during Sunday’s matches. Whether it was Sumit Nagal playing Corentin Moutet in singles or the later doubles match, the atmosphere was electric. “I don’t think I have played in this kind of atmosphere even in Davis Cup in India. The crowd was synchronized, singing, jumping, and cheering. It was amazing, and they were extremely respectful when the tennis was being played,” Bopanna commented.

Although Balaji lost his serve at crucial times, feeling the nerves, Bopanna praised his partner’s performance. “I told him he should be extremely proud of the way he played. There are a few things he can work on and take this as a great example moving forward,” he said.