Rohan Bopanna Set for the 2024 Paris Olympics – These Four Players Can Partner Him

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Rohan Bopanna

Rohan Bopanna, the reigning Australian Open men’s doubles champion, is set to represent India in the men’s doubles event at the Paris Olympics 2024. However, the identity of his partner remains a topic of discussion.

Bopanna, who recently became the oldest men’s Grand Slam winner at 43 years old, has climbed to the top of the ATP Doubles Rankings. Despite his age, Bopanna’s performance on the court has been exceptional, proving that age is no bar when it comes to excellence.

As per the competition rules, players in the top ten of their respective doubles rankings can select any compatriot as long as he or she is ranked inside the 300 mark. Given Bopanna’s world ranking, he will be provided a direct slot in the Paris Olympics men’s doubles tennis tournament.

Top contenders who could partner Rohan Bopanna at Paris Olympics

  1. Yuki Bhambri

India’s star tennis player, Yuki Bhambri, is keen to partner up with Rohan Bopanna for the Paris Olympics 2024. Bhambri, who has reached a career-high ranking of 56 in doubles, is leaving no stone unturned to prepare himself if he gets selected.

Yuki Bhambri
Yuki Bhambri

Bhambri has rejoined forces with his childhood coach, Aditya Sachdeva, to prepare for the challenge. Under Sachdeva, who shaped Bhambri’s game during his formative years, Bhambri aims to take his game a notch higher. In a recent interview, Bhambri expressed his desire to partner up with Bopanna at Paris 2024. He stated, “Everyone dreams of playing at the Olympics, and I’m no different. I want to be prepared if Rohan selects me as his partner.”

2. Sumit Nagal

Nagal, who is currently ranked 93 in the Men’s Singles, has shown promising performances, including reaching the second round at the Australian Open. His victory over the then world No. 27, Alexander Bublik, at the Australian Open has sparked interest in his potential as a doubles partner for Bopanna.

Rohan Bopanna with Sumit Nagal at Australian Open 2024
Rohan Bopanna with Sumit Nagal at Australian Open 2024

Bopanna, on his part, has urged the All India Tennis Association (AITA) to respect his decision regarding the selection of his doubles partner for the Paris Olympics. This statement has fueled speculations about a possible pairing with Nagal.

3. Ramkumar Ramanathan

Bopanna has already tasted success with Ramanathan, winning 2 ATP 250 titles together in 2022. Their familiarity and proven ability to win as a team make them a strong contender.

Rohan Bopanna with Ramkumar Ramanathan
Rohan Bopanna and Ramkumar Ramanathan with Adelaide International Doubles Trophy

Interestingly, Ramkumar Ramanathan has expressed his desire to partner with Rohan Bopanna at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Ramanathan believes that they could be a very dangerous pair, as they have a 100% record in ATP events. However, he also stated that the final decision rests with Bopanna.

4. Jeevan Neduncheziyan

Neduncheziyan, currently ranked 124 in doubles, has been making steady progress in the tennis circuit and is one of the five Indian players in the fray to partner with Bopanna at the Olympics. He believes that their partnership could be a formidable force for India at the quadrennial event.

Rohan Bopanna and Jeevan Nedunchezhiyan
Rohan Bopanna and Jeevan Nedunchezhiyan with Chennai Open Doubles Title

Bopanna and Nedunchezhiyan won the 2017 ATP Chennai Open together and could offer an interesting right-left combination Bopanna might consider.

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