At 44, Rohan Bopanna stands as one of tennis’s rare veterans still competing at the highest level. With over two decades on the professional circuit, Bopanna’s dedication, perseverance, and innovative fitness routine have enabled him to compete—and thrive—against much younger opponents. His inspiring journey continues this season at the ATP Finals, where he and partner Matthew Ebden are among the top eight doubles teams in the world.
Breaking Records in a 21-Year Career
Bopanna’s 2024 season has been one for the history books. Earlier this year, he claimed his first Grand Slam men’s doubles title at the Australian Open alongside Ebden, becoming the oldest man to win the title and reach No. 1 in doubles rankings. It’s a remarkable feat that underscores his longevity and discipline.
Bopanna now ranks 12th in doubles, a testament to his skill, resilience, and dedication to maintaining peak physical form. His approach to fitness—emphasizing yoga, ice baths, and precise recovery techniques—has kept him competitive. For Bopanna, the key is consistency. “The important part is to just focus on yourself and keeping yourself healthy,” he explained. His fitness routine revolves around carefully planned warmups, cooldowns, and recovery sessions, which have become as crucial as the matches themselves.
Yoga, Ice Baths, and a Unique Routine
An essential part of Bopanna’s regimen is his daily yoga practice, which helps maintain his flexibility and core strength. His commitment to yoga extends beyond the court, with sessions ranging from quick morning stretches to intensive 90-minute sessions when he’s home in India. Practicing Iyengar yoga has also helped him manage the physical demands of a long career. “When I’m back home I do a longer session, which is about 90 minutes,” he says. Yoga has become a cornerstone of his fitness routine and an invaluable tool in his longevity.
In addition to yoga, Bopanna relies on midnight ice baths to aid recovery—a ritual that his partner Ebden has witnessed firsthand. “He’s doing all the work before, after, late into the night. We play up until midnight, and he was still going in the ice bath,” said Ebden, who, at 36, also brings his experience to the court. The pair complement each other, with Bopanna contributing powerful serves and Ebden adding speed to their game.
Passing on Knowledge: Building India’s Doubles Legacy
Beyond his own achievements, Bopanna is committed to nurturing the next generation of Indian doubles talent. Each year, he hosts a training camp in Mumbai for Indian doubles players, creating a space for younger athletes to develop their skills and start their seasons with strong momentum. “Since we have so many players in the country, why not come together and have a good training camp at the end of the year,” he remarked. It’s part of a larger effort to promote India’s rich doubles tradition, which boasts legends like Leander Paes, Mahesh Bhupathi, and Sania Mirza.
Bopanna’s achievements have been instrumental in continuing India’s success in doubles. He was the third Indian man to reach No. 1 in the doubles rankings, joining Paes and Bhupathi. Sania Mirza also rose to No. 1 in women’s doubles, showcasing India’s deep talent in this field.
India’s Fast Courts and Tennis Tradition
Bopanna attributes part of India’s doubles success to the unique conditions on Indian courts, which tend to be faster and require quick reflexes. “Not many rallies happen,” Bopanna noted. “Even the clay courts are really dry because of the weather conditions in India. So it’s very slippery.” This fast-paced environment fosters excellent hand-eye coordination among players from an early age—a skill that has proven invaluable for doubles specialists like Bopanna.
His national pride is evident on the court, where he uses a racket designed with India’s orange, white, and green flag colors. It’s a small tribute to the country that has supported his career, and his success continues to inspire fans back home.
Looking Ahead: The Journey Continues
While Bopanna’s remarkable career could easily wind down, he has no plans to retire anytime soon. With a smile, he even hinted at a possible appearance in the 2036 Olympics if India wins its bid to host the Games. “I’m waiting for India to get the Olympics in 2036,” he joked, illustrating his optimism and love for the sport.
For Bopanna, the goal is to keep playing as long as he’s healthy and able to compete at the top level. His journey is about more than wins and records; it’s about a lifelong commitment to tennis, a dedication to fitness, and a passion for representing his country.
As he continues to forge ahead with his unique fitness regimen and inspiring dedication, Rohan Bopanna proves that age is just a number. With each serve, volley, and game, he reinforces his legacy as one of India’s all-time greats in tennis. And for fans around the world, his story is a testament to what’s possible through hard work, discipline, and an unwavering love for the game.
