Late bloomer Bopanna says 14-year wait paid off
new delhi — Basking in the glory of his first Grand Slam title win, Rohan Bopanna says his mixed doubles title triumph at the French Open has strengthened his belief that “one should never give up on dreams”.
Bopanna had to wait for 14 years after turning Pro to clinch a Major trophy, the French Open mixed doubles with Gabriela Dabrwoski, and the 37-year-old said it was worth the wait.
It’s not only the defeats and tough times that teach you, certain victories too signal a few things.
“Never give up on your dreams. That is something which stands out (in this win),” Bopanna, only the fourth Indian ever to win a Grand Slam, said in an interaction with PTI after meeting Union
Never give up on your dreams. That is something which stands out (in this win) Rohan Bopanna
Sports Minister Vijay Goel.
He is a late bloomer, who has contributed in some of India’s most memorable Davis Cup wins in singles, but it does not matter.
“Age is only a number. You can’t set a timeline (for achievements). As long as you believe in yourself and keep working hard, nothing can stop you. I worked towards my goal, every single day and I am feeling grateful that my team also put in efforts. Although tennis is an individual sport, everyone has contributed in it,” said the winner of 16 ATP titles.
Mixed doubles is played only at Grand Slams and even considered a side show. Bopanna refused comment on the perception but asserted that to have singles champions, many things need to change in India.
However, nothing can be taken away from Bopanna’s achievement since he took up a sport which hardly finds support from corporates in the country and is in the limelight most of the time for wrong reasons.
When an athlete is recognised only after achieving something at the global stage, such victories are to be savoured and Bopanna is living every moment of it. — PTI