Rohan Bopanna Triumphs at Australian Open 2024: PM Modi, Sachin Tendulkar Join Celebs To Extend Congratulations

Rohan Bopanna proved age is just a number as the 43-year-old tennis ace became only the third Indian to win a men's doubles Grand Slam title.

Bopanna claimed the Australian Open 2024 doubles crown with his Australian partner Matthew Ebden following a commanding win over Simone Bolelli and Andrea Vavassori, on Saturday (January 27).

In a high-quality game of tennis, second-seeded Bopanna and Ebden won 7-6(0) 7-5 against the Italian team in the final that lasted one hour and 39 minutes. Only the iconic Leander Paes and Mahesh Bhupathi have won Major titles for India in men's tennis while trailblazer Sania Mirza did it in women's tennis.

For Bopanna it is his second Grand Slam title, having won the French Open mixed doubles trophy with Canada's Gabriela Dabrowski in 2017. At 43, Bopanna also became the oldest Grand Slam champion in men's tennis in the open era. He bettered the record of Jean-Julien Rojer who, at the age of 40, had lifted the French Open men's doubles trophy in 2022 with Marcelo Arevola.

Playing his third men's doubles final at Grand Slam events, having ended runner-up at the US Open twice (2013, 2023), Bopanna was hailed for his unwavering determination and fighting spirit. Who is Supriya Annaiah? All you need to know about Rohan Bopanna's Wife and their Love Story

Bopanna received praise from Prime Minister Narendra Modi who said his remarkable journey is a beautiful reminder that people's capabilities are defined by their spirit, hard work and perseverance.

In a post on X, Modi said, "Time and again, the phenomenally talented Rohan Bopanna shows age is no bar! Congratulations to him on his historic Australian Open win. Best wishes for his future endeavours."

The cricketing fraternity also took notice of Bopanna's resilience as he navigated through each match with skill and precision. Sachin Tendulkar, Virender Sehwag, Dinesh Karthik, and Venkatesh Prasad were among the first to laud the Karnataka star on his achievement.

Cricketing icon Sachin Tendulkar claimed the senior tennis star for his maiden Australian Open final appearance and subsequent victory stand as a testament to his unwavering dedication and passion for the sport, inspiring sports enthusiasts worldwide.

"Your moment can arrive anytime, anywhere. Just ask @rohanbopanna, who at 43, seized it on the grand stage of the @AustralianOpen. Keep training, keep dreaming and be prepared to step up when your time comes," Tendulkar wrote on X.

Former India cricketer Virender Sehwag wrote on X, "What a story. What an inspiration @rohanbopanna. Congratulations on becoming the #AusOpen Doubles Champion."

India's Olympic champion javelin thrower, Neeraj Chopra also hailed the 43-year-old for his phenomenal achievement. Chopra wrote on X, "Congratulations @rohanbopanna for winning your maiden #AusOpen Doubles title! An incredible effort of not giving up and pushing your limits on the court every time. Wouldn't have been possible without your partner Matthew Ebden and the team behind."

Former India cricketer Venkatesh Prasad posted on X, "At 43, The eldest to win a Grand Slam title in the Open Era. Absolute champion, Rohan Bopanna. The stuff of dreams and one of India's most inspirational sporting story to become a Doubles Champion at the
#AusOpen"

Senior India wicketkeeper-batter Dinesh Karthik wrote, "Looks like you've found the secret to turning back the clock - just win a Grand Slam doubles title at 43! Congratulations to you & Ebden on winning the men's doubles Australian Open title. Hats off, @rohanbopanna!"

Former India cricketer Robin Uthappa posted on X, "What an achievement!! So so proud of you @rohanbopanna brother. Heartiest congratulations on winning the Australian Open title!! Lots of love."