‘Golden Era Over, But India Will Soon Have Another Grand Slam Winner’: Rohan Bopanna

March 25, 2026

Mumbai: After Indian tennis legend Rohan Bopanna retired from the international circuit in November 2025, the biggest question on fans’ minds was whether India would soon have a new Grand Slam winner.

Bopanna won the men’s doubles title at the Australian Open 2024 with Matthew Ebden. Prior to that, he won the mixed doubles title at the French Open 2017 with Gabriela Dabrowski.

‘The New Generation Has Potential,’ Says Bopanna
Bopanna said that while the Golden Era may be over, India will soon have a new Grand Slam champion. He mentioned players like Yuki Bhambri, Sriram Balaji, Vikram, and Arjun, saying that all of them have reached the top 100 and are playing in Grand Slams.

He said, “It won’t be easy, but if we continue working in the right direction, India can return to that path.”

The Challenge of Replicating the Legacy of the Golden Era
The Golden Era of Indian tennis lasted nearly three decades, with players like Leander Paes, Mahesh Bhupathi, Sania Mirza, and Bopanna winning multiple Grand Slam titles.

Bopanna believes that replicating this legacy won’t be easy, but with government and corporate support and the growing number of tennis tournaments in India, the future is bright.

Bopanna is engaged in nurturing new talent
Bopanna remains involved in tennis and is a mentor for the SC Pipers team in the Tennis Premier League. He also trains and guides young players through his Rohan Bopanna Foundation.