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Grand Slam winner and former World No. 1 retires from tennis after 22-year career

Originally posted on HITC | By Liam McMillen | Last updated Nov 2, 2025 5:54 AM ET

After more than 20 years in the sport, a former World No. 1 has decided to step away from tennis.

Rohan Bopanna, who’s been a steady presence on tour for years, has announced his retirement at the age of 44.

Bopanna found most of his success in doubles, winning two Grand Slam titles and reaching the top of the rankings during his career.

2025 has already seen several retirements, including Kyle Edmund, and now Bopanna has joined them with a heartfelt message to fans.

Bopanna steps away from tennis

His Australian Open title in 2024 made him the oldest player to win a major, but Rohan Bopanna has now stepped away from tennis. Bopanna chose Instagram to reach out to fans and reflect on the end of his long career.

“A goodbye… But not the end,” wrote Bopanna on Instagram. “How do you bid farewell to something that gave your life its meaning?”

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“After 20 unforgettable years on tour, however, it’s time… I’m officially hanging up my racquet. As I write this, my heart feels both heavy and grateful,” he wrote.

“Starting my journey from a small town of Coorg in India, chopping blocks of wood to strengthen my serve, jogging through coffee estates to build stamina and chasing dreams on cracked courts to standing under the lights of the biggest arenas in the world – it all feels surreal.

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A post shared by Rohan Bopanna (@rohanbopanna0403)

“Tennis hasn’t been just a game for me – it has given me purpose when I was lost, strength when I was broken and belief when the world doubted me.

It taught him perseverance. It helped him bounce back from difficult situations. And each time he played it reminded him who he was and why he started playing.

Bopanna calls time on his playing career

Bopanna finished his career with 27 doubles titles, a tally that stretched from 2008 all the way through to 2024.

His final win came at the Miami Open, playing alongside Ebden. Even as he approached the end of his career, Bopanna remained competitive, reaching another final in September 2025.

At 44 years old, he finished as runner-up at the Japan Open with Takeru Yuzuki, losing to Hugo Nys and Édouard Roger-Vasselin.

Bopanna made six Grand Slam finals in doubles and won two of them. The only one missing from his resume was Wimbledon.

This article first appeared on HITC and was syndicated with permission.

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