The Paris Olympics 2024 witnessed a swift and unexpected end to India’s tennis campaign, all within a single day. The hopes and aspirations of Indian tennis fans were dashed as both the men’s singles and men’s doubles teams faced defeat.
Sumit Nagal’s Singles Match at the Paris Olympics
Sumit Nagal, who had made it to the second round at his maiden Olympic appearance in Tokyo 2020, returned for Paris 2024. His opponent in the first round was Frenchman Corentin Moutet. Despite a valiant effort, Nagal couldn’t secure victory, marking the end of his singles journey.
Rohan Bopanna and N Sriram Balaji’s Doubles Match at Paris Olympics
Rohan Bopanna, the oldest Indian competing at Paris 2024, paired up with N Sriram Balaji for the men’s doubles event. Their French opponents were Fabien Reboul and Edouard Roger-Vasselin. Unfortunately, the Indian duo couldn’t overcome their rivals, and their campaign came to an abrupt halt.
India has a modest history in Olympic tennis. Leander Paes’ men’s singles bronze at Atlanta 1996 remains the sole Olympic medal in tennis for India.
Paes’s achievement was groundbreaking, making him the first Asian tennis player to stand on the Olympic podium. It was also India’s first individual medal at the Olympics since wrestler KD Jadhav’s bronze at Helsinki 1952.
Paris Olympics: 🇮🇳Bopanna/Balaji Out in Round 1
Bopanna/Balaji lost to the French pair Monfils/Roger-Vasselin 5-7 2-6 in the first round of the mens doubles
With this loss, Indian tennis action at the Paris Olympics comes to an end.#Olympics #Paris2024 pic.twitter.com/8Wd5veiQyq
— Indian Tennis Daily (ITD) (@IndTennisDaily) July 28, 2024
In the world of sports, victories and defeats are intertwined. While this day brought sorrow, it also serves as a reminder that every match is a chance for redemption and growth. The tricolour may not have flown high on the tennis courts today, but the spirit of our athletes remains unyielding.
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