BENGALURU: Age: 43. Years on the Tour: More than 20. India’s doubles ace
Rohan Bopanna
has redefined ‘aging’ into a phase of opportunity and strength. But there is more to the making of a champion at an ‘advanced age’ in sport than just tackling through aching legs and aging limbs.
Tennis
legend
Vijay Amritraj
, who has over the years seen Bopanna from close quarters, attributed the towering Kodava’s longevity to discipline, motivation, drive, and family support.
Speaking to select media on the sidelines of an event here, Amritraj, who recently became first Asian to be inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame (contributor category) said, “What stands out about Rohan is the ability to stay with it when the chips are down. At 43, to be motivated and have the desire to work... because the matches are tough. As you grow older, you slow down. But the good thing for Rohan is that he always had a good serve so there were numerous free points. If you are going to run down everything for three hours, it would have been a nightmare. For him to stay motivated and overcome the valleys that frequently happen and maintain the work ethic is spectacular.”
Outlining Bopanna’s character, Amritraj said, “He has been a great representative for us in India. It’s very easy to throw in the towel. To play until the age that Rohan has is something you have to applaud. It’s a monumental effort to wake up in the morning when there are aches and pains. It’s deadly. He is a terrific guy, and no one deserved it more than him.”
Recognising the unflinching support of the Bopanna family – especially Rohan’s wife Supriya— the 70-yearold pointed out, “You can plan, train and second-guess yourself constantly. But to stay with it over a duration of time you need tremendous support from the family and especially your spouse. Marriage is like a match. There are peaks and valleys, often you are down match points, and the question is are you strong enough to pull yourself out of it.”
English (US) ·