Tennis Prose




Sep/10

10

Biofile Rohan Bopanna Interview

By Scoop Malinowski

Status: Winner of 2010 and 2013 US Open doubles titles. Also won 2017 Roland Garros mixed doubles title. Best ranking was no. 3 in ATP doubles in 2013. Has reached the 2023 US Open doubles final with partner Matt Ebden – Bopanna (age 43) will become the oldest man to compete in a Grand Slam final today at US Open doubles final. Won 2023 Indian Wells with Ebden to become the oldest man to win an ATP Masters 1000 title (at 43).

Ht: 6-3 Wt: 180

DOB: March 4, 1980 In: Bangalore, India

Tennis Inspirations: “Tennis is an inspiring sport for me, all the enthusiasm for the sport is an inspiration for me.”

Tennis Hero:  “Stefan Edberg.”

First Tennis Memory: “The first match I played was in my state in a tournament I ended up winning. To be able to win the first time out there was big for me (age 14).”

Nicknames: “On the circuit – Bopes. Bofors – because of my serve which is like the big artillery gun in the army.”

Last Book Read: “Shantaram.”

Hobbies/Leisure Activities: “I love watching Bollywood movies, coming from India, because it’s a huge form of entertainment. I love playing golf – that relaxes me a lot.”

Favorite TV Show: “Entourage.”

Favorite Movies: “Rocky was my most favorite movie. All the Rocky movies.”

Musical Tastes: “Indian, the Bollywood music.”

Current Car: “Just normal Suzuki (black).”

Favorite Meal: “Indian spicy food.”

Favorite Ice Cream Flavor: “Strawberry.”

Pre-Match Feeling: “Just to keep completely relaxed. Not to think too far ahead. Talk to everyone. Keep my mind as calm as possible before going out there.”

Greatest Sports Moment: “When I first got selected for the Davis Cup team in 2002 – that was definitely, by far. Because it was a dream for my dad for me to play for the country. The day I got selected I was really, really proud. And that was for me as well. The greatest moment.”

Most Painful Moment: “Of course, all those losses, especially when you’re representing your country. All those losses which you have, especially a couple of them when I was two sets to love up. One was against Alastair Hunt of New Zealand, I think was the most painful.”

Favorite Tournament: “I love playing in Melbourne. Then, growing up in India, the grass – Wimbledon was always one of the dream tournaments to play.”

Closest Tennis Friends: “Obviously, Aisam and Mahesh Bhupathi on the Tour has been a great role model for me. These are the two guys who are really close for me on the Tour.”

Funniest Players: “I think there’s a few…Novak (Djokovic) everybody knows is really funny.”

Toughest Competitors: “In 2003 I was playing against Roger Federer. I think, by far, he was my toughest competitor, for sure. I qualified and played him in first round in Basel in main draw.”

Funny Tennis Memory: “Hmm. Funny moment was when they had the skit in Monte Carlo and I had to dress up as Michelle Obama and get up there [smiles]. So that was a funny moment, I would agree on that [laughs].”

Embarrassing Tennis Memory: “I don’t know. I don’t think I have one.”

Strangest Match: “Davis Cup in Holland in 2003 I think. And I lost 10-12 in the fifth. But I played Martin Verkerk who made finals that year in French Open that year. It was really strange to see because I didn’t feel like I was playing in Holland because the crowd was so amazing. It felt like I was playing at home because the crowd was really supporting and cheering for me as well, for all the good points. So it was good.”

Favorite Players To Watch: “Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal. Because they both have two contrasting styles. I love to – where I can – especially not in these big tournaments – but where there’s time for us to go and sit and watch matches. I love to watch both Roger and Rafa.”

People Qualities Most Admired: “People who are really honest and straight up. People on the Tour I think are really friendly, they get along with everybody, so that’s good for me.”

You can read more Biofiles at www.mrbiofile.com

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4 comments

  • NAME · September 10, 2010 at 3:28 am

    Biofile with who ?

  • Sakhi · September 10, 2010 at 5:25 am

    Thanks for this. Bopanna is an interesting contrast to Qureshi because he seems quieter and less deliberate. I actually think it’s great that he’s letting Qureshi take the limelight here. It’s been great for raising awareness about the floods in Pakistan.

  • Scoop Malinowski · September 10, 2010 at 3:14 pm

    Name, this man Rohan Bopanna is in the men’s doubles final today! Sakhi, you read their demeanors well, Qureshi does seem to be the spokesman of the team. Bopanna may speak just a tad softer but he sure does carry the big stick on the court.

  • NAME · September 11, 2010 at 3:27 am

    Yes, I went to see it. It was very entertaining. I think I’m becoming a doubles fan.

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