Biofile with Rohan Bopanna

Status: Reached finals of U.S. Open men’s doubles with partner Qureshi but were defeated 76 76 by The Bryan Brothers. Winner of two ATP doubles titles (2008 Los Angeles with Butorac and 2010 Johannesburg with Qureshi.

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.”

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.”

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"I had to dress up as Michelle Obama."

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