Doubles Tennis icon Rohan Bopanna is one of the most respected athletes in Indian sporting history, thanks to an incredible strategic style of play, powerful serve, and an absolutely admirable level of consistency and work ethic. Bopanna made history as the oldest first-time Grand Slam champion, winning the 2017 French Open mixed doubles with Canada’s Gabriela Dabrowski, and later claiming his first men’s doubles Grand Slam title at the 2024 Australian Open with Matthew Ebden. Notably, Bopanna is now the oldest ever first-time world number one at 43 years, and the oldest ever Masters 1000 winner at 44 with a victory at the 2024 Miami Open (which also saw Jannik Sinner and Danielle Collins crowned champions).
Born on March 4, 1980, in Coorg, Karnataka, India, to parents M.G. Bopanna and Malika Bopanna, Rohan began playing tennis at the age of 11, following his father’s encouragement to pursue an individual sport. His passion for tennis led him to represent India in the Davis Cup and embark on an illustrious professional career. Today, Rohan Bopanna is one of the most celebrated Indian tennis players, known for his success in doubles and his role in promoting peace through sports with his Pakistani partner Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi as part of the “Indo-Pak Express”. Alongside Indian tennis legends Mahesh Bhupathi, Leander Paes, and Sania Mirza, Bopanna is among the few Indian players to have won a Grand Slam title. With this remarkable career Bopanna has enjoyed a significant amount of financial success (over $6 million), a portion of which he has dedicated to his many charitable and social justice causes, alongside loving partner Supriya Annaiah.
Who are Rohan Bopanna’s parents?
Rohan Bopanna With Family (Parents Bottom Middle)
M.G. Bopanna – Rohan Bopanna’s Father
M.G. Bopanna, a coffee planter by profession, has played a significant role in his son’s Tennis career. Rohan Bopanna’s father instilled a love for sports in him from an early age. Coming from a region known for its sports culture, Coorg (Kodagu district) in Karnataka, M.G. Bopanna encouraged Rohan to try various individual sports, such as hockey, football, and Tennis.
One of the key moments in Rohan’s life came when his father emphasised the importance of focusing on an individual sport. At the age of 11, Rohan began his Tennis journey, following his father’s advice to explore various sports before eventually deciding to pursue Tennis exclusively at the age of 19. M.G. Bopanna’s encouragement and practical guidance helped shape Rohan’s discipline and dedication to the sport.
Not only was M.G. Bopanna supportive, but he also took tangible steps to aid his son’s training. In their hometown of Coorg, he constructed a Tennis court on their property with the help of local workers. Additionally, M.G. Bopanna built makeshift training equipment, such as two poles with a rope to help Rohan strengthen his grip and power, as gyms were less common in their region during that time. This hands-on approach helped develop Rohan’s strength and technique.
Malika Bopanna – Rohan Bopanna’s Mother
Rohan Bopanna with Mother Malika Bopanna
Malika Bopanna, Rohan Bopanna’s mother, is a homemaker who played an equally important role in providing emotional and logistical support throughout his career. While there is limited public information about Malika’s background, it is clear that she has been a steady presence in Rohan’s life, ensuring a nurturing environment that complemented his athletic ambitions.
Malika’s role extended beyond household responsibilities; she was involved in managing various aspects of Rohan’s early career, ensuring he had the support he needed to pursue Tennis full-time. Her unwavering belief in his potential and her role in maintaining a strong family bond were critical to Rohan’s mental well-being and focus during his formative years as a player.
Rohan Bopanna’s Family, Background, and Heritage
Rohan Bopanna with family and Wife Supriyah Annaiah
Rohan Bopanna’s parents hail from the Coorg region, a district in Karnataka known for its scenic beauty and cultural heritage. The region is also famous for its coffee plantations, and the Bopanna family owns a coffee estate where they continue to reside. The family’s deep connection to Coorg is evident in Rohan’s frequent visits to his hometown, which he describes as a place that keeps him grounded amidst the hectic demands of a professional Tennis career.
Coorg’s rich sporting culture played a role in Rohan’s upbringing. The district has produced several notable athletes, particularly in hockey, but M.G. Bopanna’s foresight in encouraging Rohan to pursue Tennis led to his success in a sport less common in the region.
Frequently Asked Questions About Rohan Bopanna’s Parents
Who is Rohan Bopanna’s Father?
Rohan Bopanna’s father, M.G. Bopanna, is a coffee planter from Coorg, Karnataka. He played a crucial role in encouraging Rohan to take up Tennis as a career, and he provided significant support in Rohan’s training by building a Tennis court at their home and creating custom equipment to help improve Rohan’s strength and game.
Who is Rohan Bopanna’s Mother?
Rohan Bopanna’s mother, Malika Bopanna, is a homemaker who provided Rohan with the emotional support necessary to pursue a demanding professional Tennis career. While less is publicly known about her, she has been instrumental in ensuring Rohan’s personal and professional success.
Where Do Rohan Bopanna’s Parents Live?
Rohan Bopanna’s parents, M.G. and Malika Bopanna, reside in their coffee estate in Coorg, Karnataka. The Bopanna family has strong ties to their Coorgi heritage and remains deeply connected to the region.
Are Rohan Bopanna’s Parents Still Married?
Yes, M.G. Bopanna and Malika Bopanna are still married and live together on their family’s coffee plantation in Coorg, Karnataka.
What is Rohan Bopanna’s Connection to Coorg?
Rohan Bopanna’s connection to Coorg is deeply rooted in his family and cultural heritage. His parents, M.G. and Malika, raised him in the region, and the family continues to live there. Coorg’s sporting culture and natural beauty have been a source of inspiration and grounding for Rohan throughout his Tennis career.
