In a closely contested quarterfinal at the Rolex Paris Masters, Rohan Bopanna and Matthew Ebden fell to the in-form duo of Wesley Koolhof and Nikola Mektic, 6-7(13), 5-7. The match was a gripping display of high-stakes tennis, highlighted by a first-set tiebreak that stretched to 15-13, showcasing both teams’ skill and tenacity. After the match, Bopanna discussed the challenges they faced, including the fast-paced Paris-Bercy courts and a few missed opportunities to convert critical points in the second set.

Reflecting on the opposition, Bopanna acknowledged Koolhof and Mektic’s stellar season and their history as a strong pairing. “We knew it was going to be a tough match,” he shared, emphasizing the precision required on quick courts where “you get only those one or two chances.”

With the season nearing its close, Bopanna’s focus now shifts to the season-ending ATP Finals in Turin. Confident and determined, he and Ebden will head to Italy early to train, aiming to channel the grit and focus shown throughout the season into their performance at the year-end event.

Excerpts –

Tolasaria – Thoughts on the match? It was very close..

Bopanna – First of all, they’ve been playing well this year. They’re a good team. Even a couple of years ago when they were together, they came close to winning a Grand Slam. So coming into the match, we knew it was going to be a tough match. Quick courts here, so you get only those one or two chances. As you saw, the first set tiebreak – I don’t even remember the score, we kept changing sides.

Tolasaria – It was 15-13

Bopanna – 15-13? Oh okay! It’s just that one or two returns. They connected on one of the returns and ended up winning the tiebreak. In the 2nd set, we had way more chances, unlike the 1st set. 0-40 in the first game. Then a break point in the next game too, which we didn’t convert. When you play a 1 hour 40 minute indoor match, and you have those small little chances and don’t convert, it can go that way.

Tolasaria – Speaking about the court speed, Alcaraz said it’s really fast. Zverev said it’s the fastest court he’s played on. Your thoughts?

Bopanna – It’s definitely quick. There’s no question about it. If you see the scorelines, they are going to the tiebreak. That gives a good indication of how difficult it is to break serve. You have to be constantly focused on getting those small chances and converting them. Everyone here has been playing on this surface for almost a week and getting used to it.

Tolasaria – You had an argument with the chair umpire during the match. What was that about?

Bopanna – It was about the coaching part. He said that the coach has to sit in the players box. I told the umpire if he can tell me there and then. And not 15 minutes later. If I had done something wrong and he saw something that I didn’t follow, he could have told me right away. It’s a bit like someone breaking a racquet or abusing, they get a warning or a fine right away. So why not in this case as well? He waited till the tiebreak to end to tell me that.

Tolasaria – What’s the plan for now?

Bopanna – Ya, straight to Turin (for the ATP Finals). Will head there a few days early and train there for a few days.