India’s Rohan Bopanna and Australia’s Matthew Ebden showcased their prowess on the tennis court as they moved into the second round of the US Open men’s doubles competition. The duo, seeded second, defeated the Dutch pair of Sander Arends and Robin Haase in straight sets, 6-3, 7-5, in a 64-minute contest at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center.
Match Highlights
- First Set Dominance: Bopanna and Ebden started strong, winning their opening games. Despite a brief setback when Arends and Haase secured a breakpoint in the third game, the Indo-Australian pair quickly regained their composure. They won four consecutive games, including two break points, to take the first set 6-3.
- Second Set Comeback: The second set saw a more competitive exchange. Arends and Haase took an early lead, securing a break point to go up 4-1. However, Bopanna and Ebden’s experience and coordination shone through as they fought back to level the set at 5-5. They then broke their opponents’ serve once more to clinch the set 7-5 and the match.
Bopanna and Ebden’s performance was marked by their tactical excellence. They combined powerful serves with precise volleys, making it difficult for their opponents to find a rhythm. Their ability to adapt to the changing dynamics of the match was evident, especially in the second set where they turned the tide in their favour despite being down early on.
Road to the Second Round
The victory was a significant morale booster for Bopanna and Ebden, who had arrived at the US Open on the back of three consecutive losses. Their resilience and determination were on full display as they navigated through the challenges posed by their Dutch opponents. The win also marked their first victory in four matches, setting a positive tone for their campaign at the final Grand Slam of the season.
.@RohanBopanna & @MattEbden blitz to the second round of @USOpen 💪 #SonySportsNetwork #USOpen pic.twitter.com/wjxXgJ03ag
— Sony Sports Network (@SonySportsNetwk) August 30, 2024
Upcoming Challenges
In the second round, Bopanna and Ebden will face the unseeded pair of Roberto Carballes Baena from Spain and Federico Coria from Argentina. The match is expected to be a test of their consistency and ability to maintain their high level of play. Given their current form and the confidence gained from their first-round victory, Bopanna and Ebden are well-positioned to advance further in the tournament.
Rohan Bopanna’s Mixed Doubles Campaign
Apart from the men’s doubles, Rohan Bopanna is also set to compete in the mixed doubles event. He will partner with Indonesia’s Aldila Sutjiadi in the opening round. Bopanna’s versatility and experience in both formats of the game make him a formidable competitor, and his participation in the mixed doubles adds another dimension to his US Open campaign.
Rohan Bopanna, at 44, continues to be a significant figure in Indian tennis. His partnership with Matthew Ebden has brought a new dynamic to his game, and their success on the international stage serves as an inspiration to aspiring tennis players in India.
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