Rohan Bopanna of India has made history by becoming the oldest player to reach the number one rank in men's doubles. At the age of 43, Bopanna achieved this milestone after advancing to the semi-finals of the Australian Open alongside his partner, Matthew Ebden of Australia.
Bopanna, who has been a professional tennis player for over two decades, had previously reached a career-high ranking of third in 2013. However, his recent success ensures that he will be at the top of the new rankings when they are published on Monday.
The Indian tennis star attributes his longevity to his dedication to yoga, a practice he believes has contributed to his mental and physical strength. Despite the toll that his long career has taken on his body, including having "no cartilage" in his knees, Bopanna remains resilient.
He stated, "If a 40-plus-year-old can do this, that is an inspiration. As a tennis player, sometimes you think that the journey is done. I stuck to my instincts and believed in myself."
Bopanna emphasized the importance of his yoga and meditation routine, which he follows diligently each morning. These practices have helped him find clarity and calmness in his mind, allowing him to perform at the highest level.
While Bopanna's historic achievement as the oldest men's doubles number one is commendable, it is worth noting that his Grand Slam success has thus far been limited to the 2017 French Open in mixed doubles, where he partnered with Canada's Gabriela Dabrowski.
The previous record for the oldest men's doubles number one was held by Mike Bryan of the United States, who achieved this feat at the age of 41. In the singles category, Roger Federer holds the record for the oldest men's singles number one at the age of 36. However, Novak Djokovic has the opportunity to surpass Federer's record this year.
Bopanna's remarkable journey serves as an inspiration for tennis players around the world, demonstrating that age is not a barrier to achieving greatness. As he continues to make history on the court, Bopanna's commitment to his physical and mental well-being through yoga serves as a testament to the importance of holistic practices in achieving success in sports.
With this new milestone, Bopanna has solidified his place among the tennis greats and has set an example for aspiring athletes, showcasing that determination and belief can overcome all obstacles.