Rohan Bopanna's Australian Open win: Full list of Indian triumphs Down Under

Jan 27, 2024 11:39 PM IST

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Rohan Bopanna joined a select list of Indian stars who have triumphed at the Australian Open.

Rohan Bopanna scripted history on Saturday in Melbourne, as he clinched the Australian Open men's doubles title with partner Matthew Ebden at the Rod Laver Arena. The Indo-Aussie pair defeated Italy's Simone Bolelli and Andrea Vavassori 7-6(0) 7-5 in the final.

Rohan Bopanna, left, of India and Matthew Ebden of Australia pose with their trophy after defeating Simone Bolelli and Andrea Vavassori of Italy in the men's doubles final.(AP)

The first set was a tight one with Bopanna-Ebden coming out on top in a perfect tie-breaker. In the second set, Bolelli-Vavassori took an early lead, but Bopanna and his partner maintained their composure and come out on top.

Also Read | 'I'm at level 43, not age 43': Rohan Bopanna after defying age with historic Australian Open title

The victory saw Bopanna, at the age of 43 years and 329 days, becoming the oldest man to ever win a Grand Slam title in the Open era. Bopanna also joined an elite list of Indians who have triumphed at the Australian Open.

Here is the list:

1. Leander Paes and Martina Navratilova (USA) in mixed doubles (2003)

2. Mahesh Bhupathi and Martina Hingis (Switzerland) in mixed doubles (2006)

3. Mahesh Bhupathi and Sania Mirza in mixed doubles (2009)

4. Leander Paes and Cara Black (Zimbabwe) in mixed doubles (2010)

5. Leander Paes and Radek Stepanek (Czech Republic) in men's doubles (2012)

6. Leander Paes and Martina Hingis (Switzerland) in mixed doubles (2015)

7. Sania Mirza and Martina Hingis (Switzerland) in women's doubles (2016)

8. Rohan Bopanna and Matthew Ebden (Australia) in men's doubles (2024)

This is also Bopanna's second Grand Slam title after the French Open mixed doubles title in 2018. The Indian has also become the World No. 1 in men's doubles. Bopanna was also honoured with the Padma Shri by the Indian government while he was playing in the tournament in Melbourne.

Speaking during the post-match presentation, Bopanna said, "As Matt said, you definitely know how old I am. I’ve changed it a bit & said I’m a level 43, not age 43. Obviously this couldn't have been possible without a fantastic Aussie partner by my side. Thanks to Matt...we had a fantastic season last year. For me to win my first men's doubles grand slam here at the Asian pacific grand slam, it’s totally a home slam."

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