Rohan Bopanna Set to Become Oldest Tennis World Number One at 43

Rohan Bopanna, at the age of 43, is set to become the oldest tennis player to reach the number one ranking in the world after he and his partner, Matthew Ebden, advanced to the Australian Open doubles semi-finals. This achievement marks the first time Bopanna has reached the pinnacle of world rankings. Their victory over the Argentine pair Maximo Gonzalez and Andres Molteni secured their spot in the semi-finals, where they will face Tomas Machac and Zhang Zhizhen.

Bopanna’s journey to the top has been remarkable, especially considering his age. He and Ebden had previously made history as the oldest pair to win the Indian Wells doubles title in March of the previous season. Bopanna, who turned professional in 2003, also has a Grand Slam mixed doubles title to his name, clinching victory at the 2017 French Open alongside Canada’s Gabriela Dabrowski.

The veteran player attributes his longevity and success on the court to his physiotherapist and the practice of Iyengar yoga. Bopanna revealed that due to the lack of cartilage in his knees, he specifically communicated his needs to his physiotherapist. He emphasized how yoga not only strengthened his body but also played a crucial role in enhancing his mental focus during matches. This calmness, he believes, prevents him from feeling rushed on the tennis court.

Bopanna’s dedication to maintaining his physical well-being is evident in his proactive approach to addressing the challenges posed by the wear and tear on his knees. The acknowledgment of his physiotherapist’s role and the incorporation of Iyengar yoga as part of his routine shed light on the holistic measures he has taken to prolong his career.

As Bopanna prepares to ascend to the top of the world rankings, he expresses a broader perspective on his accomplishment. He sees it as an inspiration for people worldwide who are 40 and above. By breaking age barriers and achieving unprecedented success in professional tennis, Bopanna believes he can motivate others to pursue their passions and goals, regardless of age.

The comparison to other tennis legends adds context to Bopanna’s achievement. The previous record holder for the oldest men’s doubles number one was Mike Bryan, who achieved this feat at the age of 41 years and 76 days. In the realm of singles, Serena Williams holds the record for the oldest women’s singles number one at 35, while Roger Federer was the oldest men’s singles number one at 36. The mention of Novak Djokovic’s potential to surpass Federer’s record adds a layer of anticipation to the broader narrative of age-defying success in tennis.

Bopanna’s acknowledgment of his partnership with Ebden and their journey to the top spot in the rankings adds a personal touch to the story. Despite having the same number of points as his partner, Bopanna’s fewer tournament appearances contribute to his rise to the number one ranking. This detail not only underscores their successful partnership but also provides insight into the intricacies of the tennis ranking system.

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