Article by David Istrate – Published on Saturday, 01 November 2025, 13:23 / Updated on Saturday, 01 November 2025 13:24
Rohan Bopanna (45 years old), winner of the Grand Slam in doubles and mixed doubles and the former partner of Florin Mergea, made the decision to retire from tennis, 22 years after his debut in professional sports.
Rohan Bopanna, one of India's leading and best-known sportsmen, has announced his retirement from tennis, a year and a half after he topped the world doubles rankings.
Rohan Bopanna, facing retirement: “Tennis gave me purpose when I was lost”
The 45-year-old tennis player took to social media to make the announcement and began by describing his relationship with tennis.
A goodbye… But not the end.
How do you say goodbye to something that gave meaning to your life? However, after 20 unforgettable years on the circuit, it's time… I'm officially hanging up my racket.
As I write this, my heart is heavy, but also grateful. I started my journey in a small town in Coorg, India, chopping wood to make my serve stronger, running through coffee fields to build my stamina, and chasing my dreams on cracked pitches to stand under the spotlight of the world's biggest arenas – it all seems unreal.
Tennis wasn't just a game to me – it gave me purpose when I was lost, strength when I was broken, and confidence when the world doubted me.
Every time I stepped on the field, it taught me perseverance, the ability to pick myself up, to fight again when everything inside me told me I couldn't – and more than anything, it reminded me why I started and who I am
– Rohan Bopanna
The two-time Grand Slam winner thanked his parents, his sister Rashmi, his family, his wife Supriya and daughter Tridha, the coaches and staff members, the players, his coach Scott and last but not least, the fans.
Rohan Bopanna and Florin Mergea/Photo: Getty Images
Rohan Bopanna's Promise: 'My Tennis Story Is Not Done'
Bopanna then had a message where he explained what it meant to play for India and how he sees his involvement in tennis going forward.
Representing India has been the greatest honor of my life. Every time I stepped on the field with the tricolor next to my name, I felt pride and worth. Every serve, every point, every match – I played for that flag, for that feeling, for my country.
Thank you, India.
I may be leaving the competition, but my tennis story is not over. This game gave me everything, and now I want to give back—to help young dreamers in small towns believe that their beginnings don't define their limits. That by having faith, working hard and being passionate, anything is possible.
My gratitude is endless and my love for this beautiful sport will never fade.
This is not a goodbye… It's a thank you to everyone who has shaped me, guided me, supported me and loved me. You are all part of this story. You are all part of me.
– Rohan Bopanna
Rohan Bopanna, former world leader, 2 titles and 5 other finals with Florin Mergea
Originally from Bangalore, India, Bopanna turned professional in 2003 and specialized in doubles, winning 26 titles. He became the Australian Open champion in 2024 after winning the mixed doubles title at Roland Garros in 2017.
Bopanna also has numerous Grand Slam finals and semifinals, being a dominant doubles player. The Indian tennis player paired with the Romanian Florin Mergea, again the two won the title in Madrid (2015) and Stuttgart (2015), also losing 5 finals: Grand Prix Hassan II (2015), Halle Open (2015), Tournament of Champions (2015), Sydney (2016), Madrid (2016).
Throughout his career, Bopanna has accumulated over $7.3 million in prize money.
