Rohan Bopanna and Matthew Ebden's two-year partnership will conclude at the Nitto ATP Finals this week, and they are preparing to finish their collaboration on a high note, notwithstanding their loss in the opening group match.
The Indian-Australian duo possesses the experience and ability to secure titles, and the year 2024 was no exception. Bopanna and Ebden commenced the season with remarkable vigour, achieving the No. 1 position in the PIF ATP Rankings following their victory at the Australian Open.
Bopanna-Ebden duo plans to end the year on a high
Emerging from a mid-season slump, Bopanna and Ebden have made impressive strides in major events, reaching the semi-finals at Roland Garros to secure their spots at the Nitto ATP Finals. This accomplishment places them in a strong position to finish the season on a high note. At 43, Bopanna has not only become the oldest player to reach World No. 1 but has also claimed victory at the season-ending finale twice before.
“I think it would be beautiful to finish the year with a title, especially [with] the way we started off this year,” Bopanna said.
“It has been an up-and-down journey. We had a great first three months, and then we had a few challenges along the way in terms of our performance." Bopanna added.
“I think we have had a great two years together, and to finish on a high note, I think it will be beautiful, I think one of the advantages is that you do have a second chance here. Of course, you try and win all the matches, but if that doesn’t happen, you still have a great chance to qualify and do well. It is the only one of a kind tournament we have where we do have a second chance.” Bopanna asserted.
This year, he is determined to achieve a hat-trick, while Ebden is poised to chase his first title at this prestigious event.
Bopanna and Ebden are determined to seize the opportunity presented by the unique format after their defeat against the spirited Italian duo of Simone Bolelli and Andrea Vavassori in their opening match.
Bopanna explained the importance of their previous victories
Bopanna emphasized the importance of their achievements earlier this year, including winning the Australian Open and the Miami tournament, which has established them as the No.1 team. Achieving these major goals has been pivotal since the start of their journey.
“It was great we did, because we got our outcomes, particularly in January, winning the Australian Open, moving on to winning Miami, and being the No. 1 team. Those were some of our big goals when we started. Now we’ve hit nearly all those goals, we said ‘Let’s try to go together for one more big title [in Turin] and finish on a big high.” Bopanna said.
Having accomplished nearly all their objectives, they are now focused on clinching the ATP title in Turin and concluding the season on a triumphant note.