New Delhi: Rohan Bopanna confirmed his retirement from the national team after losing in the first round men’s doubles tennis match at Paris Olympics.
Bopanna and N Sriram Balaji were beaten by France’s Edouard Roger-Vasselin and Gael Monfils in the opening round.
India are yet to win an Olympics medal since Leander Paes claimed bronze at Atlanta 1996. Bopanna and Saina were fourth in the mixed doubles event at Rio 2016.
Bopanna said he is happy to have played for the country for 22 years and now hopes to enjoy his last days on the professional ATP circuit, having already retired from Davis Cup duty.
“This will definitely go down as my last event for the country. I totally understand where I am and now, I am just going to be enjoying the tennis circuit as long as that goes,” Bopanna said, as quoted by PTI.
“This is already a big bonus for where I am. I never even thought that I’ll be representing India for two decades. Right from 2002, making my debut and 22 years later still getting to represent India. I’m extremely proud of that.”
Asked about his best memory in an Indian shirt, Bopanna said his fifth-rubber Davis Cup win over against Brazil’s Ricardo Mello in 2010 was his topmost mement.
“That is definitely the one in Davis Cup history. That is by far my best moment , no question that that one in Chennai and then winning that five-setter doubles in Bangalore against Serbia.”
“Playing with Lee, with Hesh as a captain. At that time, it was the best team atmosphere, team camaraderie. we had with Somdev (Devverman) and me playing singles and all of us going and fighting it out, it was incredible.
“Of course, winning that my first men’s doubles the Grand Slam and becoming world No 1. I am thankful to my wife (Supriya), who has done so many sacrifices in this journey,” Bopanna said.
Bopanna and N Sriram Balaji were beaten by France’s Edouard Roger-Vasselin and Gael Monfils in the opening round men;s doubles match at Paris Olympics. Tennis Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
