Using Carlos Alcaraz & Jannik Sinner to mold next generation of Indian tennis, Federer-Nadal-Djokovic era & more: Rohan Bopanna opens up in Exclusive

Rohan Bopanna undertook Grand Slam doubles duties with a new partner at this year's Australian Open. Bopanna ended a glorious two-year run with Aussie Matthew Ebden at the ATP Finals in 2024.

The duo began competing alongside each other at the beginning of 2023, and their partnership yielded success within a few weeks as they lifted the Qatar Open doubles title. The Indo-Aussie pair didn't look back, making one deep run after the other on the doubles circuit, propelling Bopanna to the Top 10 in the ATP doubles rankings.

They came realistically close to lifting the US Open trophy but failed against Rajeev Ram and Joe Salisbury in the summit clash. But a few months later, they produced a triumphant run at the 2024 Australian Open, meaning Rohan Bopanna became the oldest World No. 1 and doubles Grand Slam champion at age 43. This was the Indian's first success at the Majors after 60 attempts and 18 partners.

However, as they say, all good things come to an end. Bopanna's association with Ebden ended at the 2024 ATP Finals, and he arrived in Australia this year with a new companion, Nicolas Barrientos.

Sportskeeda caught up with Rohan Bopanna, who turned pro 22 years ago, at the Melbourne Major and sought his opinion on several things, including Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic's dominance and the rise of Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner.

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Rohan Bopanna Exclusive

Rohan Bopanna (Getty)

Sportskeeda: What was the reason behind your success with Matthew Ebden?

Rohan Bopanna: I think the way we complimented each other in the game styles and when we started at the beginning of 2023, the first month in January, we lost all three first rounds. So yeah, it took a while before the partnership kicked in and we started doing well together. After some time, I think, we kind of really knew the kind of plans… the Plan As and Bs. So, we always found ways to come through tough matches and closed out the ones in which we were the better team that season. Any partnership does take time. We could’ve easily stopped after losing our first few matches in Australia. Good thing we continued and nobody really looks at that month, per se. Matthew and me, we look at all the achievements, not really at the way how we started, to be honest. It was a great two years, and I enjoyed playing with a partner like him.

Sportskeeda: Can we expect similar results with Nicolas Barrientos?

Rohan Bopanna: Yeah, I mean, the main idea is to build good camaraderie, enjoying playing together, he’s a great guy, hard-working. I’m enjoying practicing with Nicolas on the court.

Sportskeeda: Indian tennis had a golden period with the likes of Leander Paes, Mahesh Bhupati, Sania Mirza, you and others, making their mark on the court. How do you think the new generation is doing?

Rohan Bopanna: See, the players have always been there. It’s a question of how we are nurturing them, helping them, and supporting them in their journey to make them better. If you see a small example of the guys who are doing good in the doubles right now, Yuki [Bhambri] and Saket [Myneni]. One of the main reasons also why they’re doing better and better every week is because there’s a doubles program started for them privately, in terms of helping their journey and called the 'Doubles Dream of India', coaches, and physios to travel with them. So this is the kind of structure we need throughout, that kind of support. It should come from the government, the federation, and private sponsors. And we need to build on it, kind of nurture our players. The kids who are 15, 16, and 17, they need that support so that in the next three or four years they start doing well.

Sportskeeda: You kind of grew on the circuit at the same time as Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic, and you now see this young generation of Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner, and others... Do you think they're at the same level?

Rohan Bopanna: I think there’s a big difference between those three guys and this generation coming up. They’re still trying to find their feet in terms of staying consistent throughout the years. I don’t think anyone can compare Roger, Rafa, and Novak to any generation; I mean, they’re the special generation when those three guys were playing. Sinner and Alcaraz are obviously the ones coming up; the tennis is now being watched much more now with these young guns coming up and playing against the guys who’ve been there for a long period of time. And I think these guys are still learning themselves, growing… it’s gonna be really good the next few years for the sport.

Sportskeeda: Who's your favorite to watch... Alcaraz or Sinner?

Rohan Bopanna: I think they have completely two different styles of playing. But I enjoy watching both of them every time they play. They’re so powerful, the way they move; even in dreams, I hope I move like that. It’s just beautiful to watch. And now since I have my academy back in India [Rohan Bopanna Tennis Academy, Bengaluru], it kind of gives me a good perspective to watch what they’re doing, in practice as well as what kind of routine they bring in, and then give some feedback to the coaches to try to implement a little bit, and that can make the difference.