Paris Olympics: Rohan Bopanna, Sriram Balaji confirmed as India's men's doubles pairing

Add as a preferred source on Google

Paris Olympics: All India Tennis Association (AITF) association on Wednesday (June 13) announced Rohan Bopanna and N Sriram Balaji as the men's doubles pair from India for the upcoming Paris Olympics 2024.

44-year-old Bopanna, ranked 4th in the world, was allowed to choose his partner and the veteran Grand Slam champion opted for 34-year-old Sriram Balaji, who is ranked 67th in the world at the moment.

"We are proud to announce that Rohan Bopanna and N. Sriram Balaji have qualified for the Paris Olympics 2024. With Coach Mr. Balachandran Manikkath and Physio Ms. Rebecca V. Orshaegen by their side, we're ready to make a mark on the world stage," All India Tennis Association announced on Thursday (June 13).

The 44-year-old Bopanna wrote to AITA and also marked TOPS in the mail, conveying his decision - a development confirmed by the national federation. Balaji and his Mexican partner MA Reyes-Varela Martinez had tested the formidable combo of Bopanna and Australia's Matthew Ebden before losing the men's doubles third round at the French Open 2024 on Monday. Boppana and Ebden later lost in the semi-final.

Balaji played well from the baseline with a strong serve backing his game and was equally impressive at the net -- a performance that would have convinced Bopanna that the player from Coimbatore is the best option for him when he returns to Roland Garros for a final shot at an Olympic medal next month.

Bopanna, only the third Indian to win a Grand Slam title, came close to winning a medal at the Rio Games but he and Sania Mirza had lost the mixed doubles bronze match to the Czech combination of Radek Stepanek and Lucie Hradecka.

"I have sent an email to AITA," Bopanna told PTI from Paris, adding that he will comment on his choice only after hearing back from the national federation. Yuki Bhambri, India's number two doubles player at number 52, was also in contention.

The 31-year-old Bhambri made a first round exit from the French Open with French partner Albano Olivetti but has enjoyed success on clay this season, winning the ATP 250 tournament in Munich and ending runners-up at another ATP 250 event in Lyon with the same partner.

(With Input From PTI)