Rafael Nadal issues message to player who broke two very rare and unique records

Rafael Nadal issued a congratulatory message to Rohan Bopanna after the 43-year-old Indian accomplished two very unique achievements at the Australian Open. 

On Saturday, Bopanna lifted his first Grand Slam title in men’s doubles after he and his partner Matthew Ebden defeated Simone Bolelli and Andrea Vavassori 7-6 (0) 7-5. By winning a Grand Slam at 43 years and 329 years, Bopanna became the oldest male player to win a Grand Slam men’s doubles title in the Open Era.

Earlier in the tournament, Bopanna secured becoming the oldest world No. 1 in tennis history. When the ATP rankings list gets updated on Monday, Bopanna – at 43 years and 331 days – will be the top-ranked doubles player for the first time in his career and also the oldest world No. 1. 

Rohan Bopanna and Matthew Ebden© Getty Images Sport – Daniel Pockett

 

“Congrats Rohan on an amazing and unique achievement!!!!” Nadal wrote on his Instagram Story and tagged Bopanna.

Rafael Nadal congratulatory message to Rohan Bopanna© Rafael Nadal – Instagram

 

Bopanna makes history and gets congratulated by Nadal

After Bopanna and Ebden sealed a win at Rod Laver Arena, the 43-year-old Indian cracked some jokes while addressing the crowd.

“You definitely got to know how old I am,” Bopanna jokingly told the crowd after the doubles final. “I’ve changed it a bit, I say I’m at level 43, not age 43 now!”

Rohan Bopanna and Matthew Ebden© Getty Images Sport – Daniel Pockett

 

Before Bopanna, the oldest men’s doubles world No. 1 was Mike Bryan, who was 41 years and 76 days old when he lost the world No. 1 ranking in 2019 July. 

“What an amazing tournament. Thanks to my partner Rohan,” Ebden said during the trophy presentation. “Age truly really is not even a number for this guy. He is young at heart. He is a champion and a warrior.”

Now, Bopanna has two Grand Slam titles in his collection. In 2017, Bopanna became a Grand Slam champion after he and Gabriela Dabrowski won the 2017 French Open mixed doubles title. 

After a strong start to 2024 with Ebden, there is no doubt that the new world No. 1 team will be looking to add more Grand Slam success to their name in the remainder of the year.