The successful doubles partnership of Rohan Bopanna and Matthew Ebden has officially come to a close. The duo, who reached nine ATP finals over the last two seasons, announced their split just ahead of the new year.
Bopanna, 44, began 2024 as the world’s top-ranked doubles player, while Ebden, an Olympic gold medalist, had teamed up with John Peers. The pair started competing together in 2023, achieving significant milestones, including two Grand Slam finals and a victory at the 2024 Australian Open, where they triumphed over Italians Andrea Vavassori and Simone Bolelli. This win marked a historic moment for Bopanna, making him the oldest player in the Open Era to win a Major at 43.
Despite their strong start to the season, which included a title at the ATP Masters 1000 Miami Open, the team struggled to maintain their performance, particularly due to a noticeable decline from Bopanna.
Bopanna has already secured a new partner, Colombian Nicolas Barrientos, 37, as he aims to defend their Australian Open title. Meanwhile, Ebden will join forces with Belgian Joran Vliegen, 31, who has recently ended his long-standing partnership with Sander Gille.
In an interview with the Indian press, Bopanna shared his thoughts on the breakup: “It was a surprise for me. During the US Open, Matthew mentioned he would play with Austin Krajicek, but that didn’t happen. He then expressed interest in playing with me. Ultimately, when he saw that Sander Gille and Joran Vliegen were parting ways, he decided to team up with Vliegen instead.”
Reflecting on his career, Bopanna previously stated, “I am the CEO of my company. I have worked all my life to reach the top, so there’s no reason to stop now that I’m still there. I enjoy competing and love the sport. While some training days can be tough, I look forward to match days. It’s no longer about money; it’s about joy and passion. Tennis careers are short, and I want to savor every moment. Winning important titles inspires many, especially the kids at my academy. I’m thrilled that my daughter can watch me play live. If I had retired at 35, she wouldn’t have had that opportunity.”
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