Date: Monday 18
Bopanna’s last Davis Cup match
In an emotional culmination of an illustrious Davis Cup career, Rohan Bopanna bid adieu to the sport’s grandest stage with a performance that exuded grit, determination, and an overwhelming desire for victory. Partnering with Yuki Bhambri, Bopanna crafted a resounding straight-set win, propelling India ahead 2-1 in the World Group II tie against Morocco. This victory not only celebrated India’s dominance but also marked the end of a significant era in Indian tennis.
At 43 years of age, Bopanna stepped onto the court for his 33rd and final Davis Cup appearance. Paired with Bhambri, they delivered a commanding 6-2, 6-1 win against Elliot Benchetrit and Younes Lalami Laaroussi at the Mini Stadium. The match, lasting just 1 hour and 11 minutes, showcased their unwavering supremacy.
Sumit Nagal’s upcoming match against Yassine Dlimi now carries the weight of potentially sealing India’s victory in this tie.
An Emotional Farewell:
Rohan Bopanna, revered for his extraordinary contributions to Indian tennis, drew the curtains on his Davis Cup journey with a poignant and emotional performance. Following the victory, he delicately placed his India shirt on the court, symbolizing the conclusion of an era defined by dedication and resilience. Over the course of his 33 ties in the Davis Cup, Bopanna accumulated a remarkable 23 wins, including 13 in doubles.
As Bopanna gazed into the stands, his family and friends, numbering around 50, had made a heartfelt journey to Lucknow to witness his final Davis Cup appearance. Donning T-shirts adorned with a waving tricolor picture of Bopanna, they paid tribute to his awe-inspiring career.
On-Court Dominance with Unwavering Desire:
The match itself unfolded as a masterclass by the Indian duo, a testament to their unwavering desire to end Bopanna’s Davis Cup journey on a high note. Younes Lalami Laaroussi found himself grappling to hold his serve, failing to do so even once during the match. In stark contrast, Bopanna and Bhambri encountered just one break point, which they skillfully nullified.
The Indians seized control by breaking Younes early in the match, capitalizing on Bhambri’s backhand return and a Bhambri volley-winner to earn their first breakpoint. Benchetrit’s ambitious attempt at an angled volley winner on Bhambri’s return went astray, handing the Indians a 3-1 lead.
Bopanna’s commanding serve played a pivotal role, securing a comfortable hold and a 4-1 lead. Younes’ serve faced relentless pressure once more, culminating in a double fault and two break points. Bhambri capitalized on one of them, clinching the set with a volley winner.
The first set sped by in just 34 minutes, with the Indians surrendering a mere five points on their serve.
The second set witnessed Bopanna’s imposing serve at play once more, and despite Bhambri facing some pressure, their determination held strong. Younes had fleeting moments but couldn’t seize them, ultimately losing his serve for the third time in the match. Bhambri served out the match, encapsulating Bopanna’s Davis Cup farewell with a resounding victory.
As the sun sets on Rohan Bopanna’s Davis Cup career, Indian tennis fans are left with cherished memories of a legend’s final bow, flavored with the emotions, grit, and determination that fueled his relentless pursuit of victory. Amidst the farewells, a new dawn of promise beckons for Indian tennis.
