shot-button
Maharashtra Elections 2024 Maharashtra Elections 2024
Home > Sports News > Other Sports News > Article > Rohan Bopanna becomes oldest world No 1 after reaching maiden Australian Open semi final

Rohan Bopanna becomes oldest world No. 1 after reaching maiden Australian Open semi-final

Updated on: 24 January,2024 07:56 PM IST  |  Melbourne
mid-day online correspondent |

Bopanna, who attributes his longevity to yoga, turned professional more than two decades ago and his previous highest ranking was third, which he reached in 2013

Rohan Bopanna becomes oldest world No. 1 after reaching maiden Australian Open semi-final

Rohan Bopanna (Pic: AFP)

India's Rohan Bopanna will become the oldest number one in men's doubles history after reaching the Australian Open semi-finals on Wednesday at the age of 43.


Bopanna, who attributes his longevity to yoga, turned professional more than two decades ago and his previous highest ranking was third, which he reached in 2013. Wednesday's Australian Open win for Bopanna and Australian partner Matthew Ebden against Argentine pair Maximo Gonzalez and Andres Molteni guarantees Bopanna will be top of the new rankings when they are published on Monday.



"If a 40-plus-year-old can do this, that is an inspiration," said Bopanna. "As a tennis player sometimes you think that the journey is done. I stuck to my instincts and believed in myself."

Bopanna said his long career had taken its toll on his body and left him with "no cartilage" in his knees. But he said his regular yoga workouts had helped him achieve the mental and physical strength necessary to keep competing at the top level.

Also Read: Carrom, six other sports reinstated for Shiv Chhatrapati Award

"Every single morning I do a lot of yoga, a lot of meditation," he said. "My mind doesn't feel rushed."

Bopanna's only Grand Slam win so far has been at the 2017 French Open in mixed doubles, with Canada's Gabriela Dabrowski.

The previous oldest men's doubles number one was US player Mike Bryan, who was 41. Roger Federer holds the record for the oldest men's singles number one, at the age of 36, but Novak Djokovic can beat his mark this year.

(With agency inputs)

"Exciting news! Mid-day is now on WhatsApp Channels Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!

Register for FREE
to continue reading !

This is not a paywall.
However, your registration helps us understand your preferences better and enables us to provide insightful and credible journalism for all our readers.

Mid-Day Web Stories

Mid-Day Web Stories

This website uses cookie or similar technologies, to enhance your browsing experience and provide personalised recommendations. By continuing to use our website, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy. OK