In a candid and insightful interview with Monish Shah of DreamSetGo, Indian tennis icon Rohan Bopanna opens up about his remarkable career, the challenges he has overcome, and his unwavering passion for the sport.
Bopanna, a Grand Slam champion and former world number one, shares personal anecdotes, valuable life lessons, and his vision for the future of tennis in India.
Transcript from the interview is below. Video is here.
Monish Shah: Your journey over the last 2 years has been phenomenal. Can you share some insights into what made it so special?
Rohan Bopanna: It’s been incredibly special, a culmination of years of hard work and dedication. Tennis is like starting a company, and I’ve consistently invested capital day in and day out. Now, I feel like the CEO of that company. It’s been a journey filled with perseverance, tough moments, and tears behind the scenes. Tennis can be a lonely sport with constant travel and challenges, especially with limited support from the Federation. There have been doubts and debates, but the last 24 months have been incredible, validating all the hard work.
Monish Shah: As a CEO myself, I admire how much we can learn from sports and legends like you. Let’s go back to your early life in Coorg. How did you pick up tennis? What role did your parents play in fostering your love for the sport?
Rohan Bopanna: I grew up in Coorg, loved outdoor activities, and played various sports. However, tennis wasn’t available at school. My dad and his friends were passionate about tennis and built a tennis court, which is still there today. That’s where my tennis journey began at age 10.
Monish Shah: Your dad was your first coach, wasn’t he?
Rohan Bopanna: Yes, he was very strict and instilled discipline in me. We had a unique training routine with early morning runs, homemade gym equipment, and climbing ropes. It wasn’t conventional, but it definitely contributed to my strength and serve.
Monish Shah: I noticed the pendant you’re wearing. Is there a story behind it?
Rohan Bopanna: It’s a traditional symbol in Coorg, representing warriors. It reminds me of my roots and the strength I carry from that small place. My mom made the first one for me, and my wife designed the latest one. It’s been with me since 2002, a special reminder of where I came from.
Monish Shah: You mentioned facing rejections from academies in your early years. Can you tell us more about your journey to Pune and the experiences you had there?
Rohan Bopanna: At 14, I moved to Pune to train at Mr. Nandan Bal’s academy. It was a big step for me, leaving home and embracing a new environment. My daily routine involved cycling long distances between fitness training and tennis practice. It wasn’t easy, but it built perseverance and discipline.
Monish Shah: Let’s fast forward to 2006, a remarkable year for you. You made your ATP Tour final, played at the Australian Open and Wimbledon, won the Asian Hopman Cup with Sania Mirza, and even faced Roger Federer. Can you share some highlights from that year?
Rohan Bopanna: It was a dream come true to play at the highest level and represent India. Partnering with Prakash Amritraj at the Chennai Open was special, with incredible crowd support. Facing Roger Federer was nerve-wracking, but stepping onto that familiar court calmed my nerves. The experience in the locker room, sharing space with top athletes, was truly motivating.
Monish Shah: Your partnership with Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi, the Indo-Pak Express, was iconic. How did this partnership develop, and what led to your successes in 2010, including the US Open finals against the Bryan brothers?
Rohan Bopanna: Aisam and I became friends while traveling on the tour. We randomly partnered up for a few tournaments and did well, leading us to play full-time doubles in 2010. We had a breakthrough year, winning in South Africa and reaching the US Open final. It was a game-changer, and we were confident even against the formidable Bryan brothers. Unfortunately, we lost in two tight sets.
Monish Shah: What were your key takeaways from that experience against the Bryan brothers?
Rohan Bopanna: They were the best doubles team I’ve played against. We learned a lot from that encounter and realized that winning a Grand Slam wouldn’t be easy. It took another 14 years to achieve that dream.
Monish Shah: Rohan, your journey over the past two years has been phenomenal. Can you delve deeper into what made it so special for you?
Rohan Bopanna: Absolutely, Monish. It’s been a truly special period, a culmination of years of relentless hard work and unwavering dedication. You know, I often compare playing tennis to starting a company. It requires constant investment of time, effort, and resources, day in and day out, without any guarantee of success. But now, looking back at these last two years, I feel like I’ve reached a significant milestone, like I’m the CEO of that company I’ve been building.
It hasn’t been an easy journey, of course. There have been countless tough moments, setbacks, and tears shed behind the scenes. Tennis can be an incredibly lonely sport, with constant travel and the challenges of living out of a suitcase. The lack of substantial support from the Federation has also added to the difficulties. There were times of doubt, moments where I questioned whether this path was the right one. But the last 24 months have been nothing short of incredible. They’ve been a validation of all the hard work, dedication, and perseverance that I’ve poured into this sport.
Monish Shah: As a fellow CEO, I can certainly relate to that feeling of building something over time and seeing it bear fruit. It’s truly inspiring to hear about your journey. Now, let’s rewind a bit and talk about your early life in Coorg. How did you first discover tennis, and what role did your parents play in nurturing your passion for the sport?
Rohan Bopanna: Well, I spent my formative years in Coorg, and I was always an outdoorsy kid. I loved playing all kinds of sports, be it cricket, football, hockey – you name it. However, tennis wasn’t available at my school, so it wasn’t initially on my radar.
Interestingly, my dad and a group of his friends were all avid tennis enthusiasts. They loved the sport so much that they decided to build their own tennis court. That court still exists to this day, and it’s actually where my own tennis journey began when I was around 10 years old.
Monish Shah: So, your dad essentially played a pivotal role in introducing you to the sport. Did he become your first coach as well?
Rohan Bopanna: Yes, he did, and he was a very disciplined and strict coach, I must say. He had a unique approach to training. We’d wake up at the crack of dawn for runs in the pitch darkness of Coorg, and he even built a makeshift home gym for me with logs of wood and hammers for strength training. It wasn’t the most conventional training method, but it undoubtedly laid the foundation for my physical strength and powerful serve.
Monish Shah: I’ve noticed the pendant you’re wearing on several occasions. Does it have any special significance?
Rohan Bopanna: Yes, it does. It’s a traditional symbol in Coorg, often associated with warriors. It serves as a constant reminder of my roots in Coorg and the strength I carry from that small place. It’s a symbol of resilience and the values instilled in me during my upbringing. My mom made the first one for me, and over the years, it’s been redesigned, with the latest one crafted by my wife. But the core design and its meaning remain the same. I’ve worn it since 2002, and it holds a special place in my heart.
Monish Shah: That’s a beautiful sentiment. You’ve spoken about facing rejection from tennis academies early in your career. Can you tell us more about your journey to Pune and the experiences you had there?
Rohan Bopanna: At the age of 14, I decided to move to Pune to train at Mr. Nandan Bal’s academy. It was a significant decision, leaving the familiar comforts of home for a new environment. My daily routine in Pune was quite demanding. I had to cycle between 15 to 16 kilometers each day, commuting between my hostel, fitness training, and tennis practice. It wasn’t easy, but it instilled in me a sense of perseverance and discipline that I carry with me to this day.
Monish Shah: Now, let’s talk about the year 2006, a remarkable year in your career. You reached your first ATP Tour final, played at the Australian Open and Wimbledon, won the Asian Hopman Cup with Sania Mirza, and even faced Roger Federer. Could you share some highlights and memories from that incredible year?
Rohan Bopanna: 2006 was undoubtedly a dream come true for me. It was the year I got to play at the highest level of professional tennis and represent my country on the biggest stages. Partnering with Prakash Amritraj at the Chennai Open was a special experience. The crowd support was unbelievable, and it ignited a deep love for playing in India.
Facing Roger Federer was a nerve-wracking experience, to say the least. I was incredibly nervous for days leading up to the match. But the moment I stepped onto that court and hit the first ball, a sense of calm washed over me. I was in a familiar environment, doing what I loved, and that allowed me to play some of the best tennis of my career. It was an amazing experience, and my interactions with Federer over the years have only deepened my respect for him.
Monish Shah: Your partnership with Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi, known as the Indo-Pak Express, was truly iconic. Could you elaborate on how that partnership came about and the factors that contributed to your success, especially in 2010, when you reached the US Open finals against the Bryan brothers?
Rohan Bopanna: Aisam and I developed a friendship while traveling together on the tour. We shared similar interests, a love for food, and even spoke Hindi with each other. It was a natural fit for us to team up, and we started playing doubles together. We had a fantastic run in the Challenger circuit, and in 2010, we decided to focus solely on doubles. It was a breakthrough year for us, winning a tournament in South Africa and ultimately reaching the finals of the US Open.
Facing the Bryan brothers was a daunting task. They were, and still are, the best doubles team I’ve ever played against. However, we had beaten them earlier in the season and knew we had the potential to compete with them. We played some excellent tennis in the final but unfortunately lost in two very close sets.
Monish Shah: Despite the loss, reaching the US Open final must have been a significant achievement for you and Aisam.
Rohan Bopanna: Absolutely. It was a turning point in our careers and a testament to our hard work and dedication. We were confident and believed that we would win a Grand Slam title soon. Little did I know that it would take another 14 years to finally achieve that dream.
Monish Shah: Moving on to 2013, you made it to the Wimbledon semi-final for the first time, again facing the Bryan brothers. I can see why you jokingly mentioned they cost you a lot of money! Could you share more about what you learned from those encounters?
Rohan Bopanna: Indeed, they were formidable opponents. Facing them in big tournaments like Wimbledon was always a learning experience. What struck me the most was their ability to adapt and elevate their game specifically for major events. Observing those subtle changes and strategic adjustments was invaluable for my own growth as a player.
Beyond the on-court battles, getting to know them personally over the years and engaging in conversations also provided me with valuable insights. While they undoubtedly had more wins against me than I had against them, those matches were always a great learning experience. Their professionalism and sportsmanship were truly commendable.
Monish Shah: Now, let’s shift our focus to 2017-18, another period marked by significant achievements. You began the year by winning the Chennai Open doubles title and ended it by securing the Monte Carlo Masters. But in between, you achieved something truly iconic: winning a Grand Slam mixed doubles title at the French Open with Gabriela Dabrowski. Can you tell us more about that incredible moment and your partnership with Dabrowski?
Rohan Bopanna: It was an absolutely beautiful year, filled with remarkable moments. Winning a title in your home country, at the Chennai Open, was a special feeling. Then, as the clay court season commenced, I partnered with Pablo Cuevas from Uruguay, and we triumphed at the Monte Carlo Masters.
Leading up to the French Open, I was uncertain about my mixed doubles partner. Fortunately, Gabriela Dabrowski, a formidable doubles player from Canada, didn’t have a partner. I felt a good connection with Canadian players, having played with Daniel Nestor and Denis Shapovalov in the past.
Gabriela and I decided to team up, and it turned out to be a fantastic decision. We clicked from the very first match, and our playing styles complemented each other perfectly. We played some exceptional tennis throughout the tournament, overcoming some tough opponents.
The final was a nail-biter. We were down match point, and I had a sinking feeling that it would be another missed opportunity. But Gabriela played a brilliant return, and we managed to level the score. We eventually won in a super tiebreak, and it was an overwhelming feeling of relief and joy. It had been seven years since my last Grand Slam final, and to finally clinch the title was extremely special.
Monish Shah: It’s a remarkable achievement to be part of that elite group of Grand Slam champions. And just a year later, in 2018, you found yourself in another Grand Slam final, the Australian Open mixed doubles final, this time playing against Dabrowski. What was that experience like, playing against someone you had previously partnered with?
Rohan Bopanna: It was an interesting situation, but it’s not uncommon in mixed doubles to play against someone you’ve partnered with before. Over the years, you end up playing with and against the same players. We hang out together, compete against each other, and there’s always mutual respect. Tennis players understand that if you’re both doing well, there’s a good chance you’ll end up facing each other at some point, even if you’re from the same country.
The tricky part is that you know each other’s strengths and weaknesses intimately, and it comes down to who executes their game plan better on that particular day.
Monish Shah: Absolutely. It must be a unique dynamic. Now, let’s delve into a more challenging phase of your career, between 2019 and 2022. You faced a series of injuries, dealt with persistent pain, and even contemplated retirement. What kept you going during that difficult period, and how did you find the resilience to overcome those obstacles?
Rohan Bopanna: That phase was undoubtedly a challenging one, filled with significant changes and a whirlwind of emotions. As an athlete, and as a person, you go through various ups and downs in life, and this was definitely a low point for me.
As you get older, it’s easy for people to write you off, to assume that your best days are behind you. But I had this burning desire to prove them wrong, to show that I still had something left to give to the sport.
The injuries were a major setback. I had lost all the cartilage in my knees, and the pain was excruciating. I was popping painkillers like candy just to get through matches. By the end of 2019, my doctor suggested PRP injections and emphasized the need for strengthening the muscles around my knees. However, going to the gym or doing any kind of weight-bearing exercises was incredibly painful. It felt like I was just going through the motions, unable to play tennis at my full potential.
During this difficult time, the support of my wife, Supriya, and my coach, Scott Davidoff, was invaluable. They believed in me when I doubted myself, and their encouragement kept me going. Supriya, in particular, offered some profound advice. She said, “When you change your limitations and look at them as opportunities, that is when a lot of new things happen.”
That resonated with me deeply. I realized I had been caught up in the rat race of chasing rankings and had lost sight of the love for the sport that had brought me this far. In 2021, I went through a phase I had never experienced before – five months without winning a single match. It was a new low for me, and the loneliness of traveling week after week without any victories was hard to bear.
I remember sitting by the ocean in Portugal after another loss, feeling lost and defeated. I called my wife and told her I was thinking of calling it quits. But she encouraged me not to make a decision when I was down, to wait until I was in a better mental state.
That conversation was a turning point. I made the decision to rediscover the joy of playing tennis. I introduced yoga into my training regime during the pandemic, and it had a profound impact on me. It not only improved my physical flexibility and strength but also brought a sense of calmness and mental clarity to my game. I felt less rushed on the court and more in control, even when facing powerful serves.
My coach constantly reminded me that I was still playing great tennis and that all I needed was to believe in myself. With the support of my team and a renewed sense of purpose, I started to regain my confidence. I also made adjustments to my training routine, focusing on proper sleep, nutrition, and recovery through ice baths and massages.
Monish Shah: Absolutely, Rohan. It’s a testament to your unwavering spirit and dedication. Your journey is a true inspiration. Now, let’s shift gears and talk about your recent successes in 2023 and 2024. You formed an incredibly successful partnership with Matthew Ebden, won your second Asian Games gold medal, and achieved the pinnacle of the tennis world, the world number one ranking. What sparked this incredible resurgence, and how did this partnership with Ebden develop?
Rohan Bopanna: I’m immensely grateful for how this partnership with Matthew unfolded. It all began rather unexpectedly towards the end of 2022. Both of our previous partnerships had dissolved, leaving us without partners for the upcoming season. In a twist of fate, we decided to team up for the first three months of 2023.
Initially, it took some time for us to find our rhythm on the court. We faced a few early setbacks, losing in the first round in both Adelaide and the Australian Open. However, we didn’t let those initial losses discourage us.
Things started to change for the better when we reached the final in Rotterdam and secured victories in Doha and Indian Wells. These wins were pivotal in boosting our confidence and helping us understand each other’s game better. We began to develop a strong sense of teamwork and camaraderie.
With this newfound momentum, our performances improved significantly. We made it to the semifinals at Wimbledon, narrowly missing out on a chance to play in the final. We then reached the finals of the US Open, where we fought hard but ultimately fell short.
Despite these near misses, we knew we were on the right track. Our consistent performance throughout the year gave us the belief that we could compete with the best in the world. This ultimately culminated in our triumph at the Australian Open in 2024, a truly magical moment.
It wasn’t just about winning the Grand Slam; it was a series of incredible achievements that happened in quick succession. I achieved my 500th career win, ascended to the world number one ranking, received the prestigious Padma Shri award, and won the Australian Open, all within a few days. It was an emotional rollercoaster, a life-changing experience filled with immense joy and a sense of fulfillment.
Winning the Australian Open, my first Grand Slam men’s doubles title after 61 attempts and 19 different partners, felt like a huge weight lifted off my shoulders. It was a culmination of years of hard work, dedication, and perseverance.
Monish Shah: Absolutely! It’s a testament to the power of perseverance and resilience. Now, let’s talk about another aspect of your career that has brought immense pride to the nation: representing India in the Davis Cup for over two decades, participating in the Olympics, and winning gold medals at the Asian Games.
In particular, I recall the 2016 Olympics, where you and Sania Mirza narrowly missed out on a bronze medal in mixed doubles. It must have been a bittersweet moment. Could you share your thoughts on that experience and the pride you feel in representing India on the global stage?
Rohan Bopanna: The 2016 Olympics were definitely bittersweet. We were so close to reaching the final and securing a medal, but falling short in the bronze medal match was heartbreaking. It took Sania and me a while to process the disappointment and move on.
However, the experience of representing India at the Olympics is always an immense honor and privilege. Winning gold medals at the Asian Games, both in men’s doubles with Divij Sharan and in mixed doubles with Rutuja Bhosale, was incredibly special.
The 2023 mixed doubles gold medal victory with Rutuja is particularly memorable. We didn’t know each other well before the tournament, but I had a gut feeling that her big serve and aggressive game would complement my style of play at the net.
We faced some challenges in the final, especially with Rutuja feeling nervous and struggling to find her rhythm on the deuce court. That’s when my experience as a senior partner came into play. I encouraged her to switch sides with me, and although she was hesitant at first, the change proved to be a game-changer. We went on to win the gold medal, and it was a testament to the importance of teamwork, adaptability, and trusting your instincts.
Monish Shah: It’s fascinating how a seemingly small change, like switching sides on the court, can have such a significant impact. It highlights the importance of experience and strategic thinking in high-pressure situations.
Rohan, your career is filled with inspiring moments and valuable lessons. Your journey exemplifies the importance of hard work, dedication, adaptability, perseverance, teamwork, and mental strength. It’s been an absolute honor and privilege to have this conversation with you.
