'It Came As A Surprise': Rohan Bopanna Opens Up On Split From Former Doubles Partner Matthew Ebden
Bopanna though found his next partner quick as well, opting to join forces with Colombian Nicolas Barrientos.
Every journey comes to an eventual end. So did it for Rohan Bopanna and Matthew Ebden, who decided to part ways, bringing an end to their Grand Slam-winning partnership, a decision that took Bopanna by surprise.
Earlier this year, Bopanna and Ebden defeated the Italian pair of Simone Bolleli and Andrea Vavasorri in straight sets to clinch the Men’s Doubles title in the Australian Open.
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It was the pair’s maiden title as a team and Bopanna’s first in men’s doubles after 60 previous Grand Slams — a record for most attempts before winning.
The victory also touts Rohan Bopanna as the oldest-ever player to win a Grand Slam in the Open era, as the Indian clinched his title today at the age of 43 years and 329 days.
But. after failing to sustain the success through the summer, the partnership came to an end, much to the surprise of Bopanna himself.
‘To me and my coach Scott (Davidoff), it came as a surprise. I don’t think either of us expected it. I mean, he had reasons. He wanted to change," Bopanna said in an interview with TOI.
Bopanna though found his next partner quick as well, opting to join forces with Colombian Nicolas Barrientos.
“He was the one available….It was so late in the season, everybody had a partner. One of the reasons to pair with Barrientos was because there’s a good chance for us to be seeded, especially because we’re going into a Grand Slam," Bopanna said.
“It was going to be a random pairing anyways no matter who I played with. So, I thought I might as well play with somebody who I can be seeded with at least. Especially since I’m defending the title."
Despire Barrientos seemingly looking like the match of styles with Bopanna, it was stated that the Indian would be pairing up with him for just two tournaments for time being.
“One of the reasons we said only two tournaments is because it depends where we both are ranked after the Autralian Open. If I don’t defend points, my ranking drops, so then there is no way Barrientos and I are getting into Masters or 500 Series draws," Bopanna clarified.
“I haven’t fixed with anybody else after it, because it all depends on where I am ranked and where Barrientos is ranked."
The Australian Open kicks off January 12, 2025.
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