Rohan Bopanna
| Photograph Credit score: AP
For World No. 4 Rohan Bopanna, the upcoming French Open might be doubly necessary. Not solely is the match one in all tennis’ 4 crown jewels, there may be added significance as a result of the Paris Olympics’ tennis occasion is about to be performed at Roland-Garros and the 44-year-old Bopanna might be competing within the males’s doubles class.
Whereas the suspense over his selection of doubles associate continues, and Bopanna has himself chosen to stay tight-lipped, the reigning Australian Open champion spoke to The Hindu forward of the yr’s second Main.
What are your expectations from this yr’s Roland-Garros?
To begin higher than final yr [first round]. It’s not among the best clay-court seasons we’ve had to this point [partner Matthew Ebden]. However it’s a recent starting. The final three Grand Slams have been fairly fruitful. So, trying to simply get a great begin.
After profitable the Miami Masters, outcomes at Monte Carlo, Madrid and Rome [combined win-loss 1-3] have been beneath par. Is it worrying?
No, in no way. We’re nonetheless the No. 1 group on the planet [No. 2]. It’s the primary time we now have been in a scenario like this and typically shedding early in tournaments will not be one thing to essentially fear about. It’s a recent begin and we’re wanting ahead.
After changing into World No. 1 and the 2024 Australian Open success, have you ever recalibrated your expectations?
After all! Now there may be confidence and perception to win a Grand Slam. Earlier, the scenario was completely different. To be trustworthy, I don’t assume clay is our greatest power. However each of us are adapting and having fun with. And we’re assured as a result of on the final three Majors, we now have a semifinal (Wimbledon 2023), remaining (US Open) and a win (Aus Open).
You gained your first Slam on clay (French Open 2017, combined doubles) and Masters 1000s at Madrid (2015) and Monte Carlo (2017). Don’t these provide you with confidence?
As a group, I don’t assume it’s a power, however as a person, I’ve actually began having fun with enjoying on clay. I’ve tailored and am nonetheless studying. It has taken years. It’s a floor which we don’t have in our nation. It doesn’t come naturally, to Ebden both. We now have to search out small loopholes on which our strengths work.
For the second straight Slam, India may have illustration in each doubles and singles (Sumit Nagal). How necessary is it for the nation’s tennis?
Extraordinarily necessary. Once you watch athletes from your individual nation, it actually conjures up. Sumit has been enjoying very nicely and this time he has certified straight into the principle draw, which is actually good. I noticed him play in Monte Carlo; he’s grown and matured. Yuki Bhambri can be within the doubles fundamental draw. It’s positively going to offer a giant enhance for Indian tennis.
(Watch Roland-Garros 2024 from Might 26, 2.30 p.m. IST onwards LIVE on Sony Sports activities Ten 5 SD & HD, Sony Sports activities Ten 2 SD & HD).
