Rohan Bopanna, a 45-year-old veteran tennis player from India, achieved another significant milestone during the Monte Carlo Masters 2025. Partnering with his young American teammate, Ben Shelton, he defeated the pair of Francisco Cerúndolo and Alejandro Tabilo in straight sets, 6-3, 7-5.
Sports News: Indian tennis celebrated a proud moment as Rohan Bopanna, at the age of 45, achieved a historic victory at the Monte Carlo Masters 2025. He has become the oldest player ever to win a match in an ATP Masters 1000 tournament. Bopanna, alongside American player Ben Shelton, defeated Francisco Cerúndolo and Alejandro Tabilo in straight sets, 6-3, 7-5. The match concluded in just 71 minutes, showcasing the dominance of the Indo-American pairing.
Nestor's Record Broken
Previously, this record was held by Daniel Nestor of Canada, who won an ATP Masters match in 2017 at the age of 44 years and eight months. He had defeated Bopanna and Pablo Cuevas at that time. Eight years later, Bopanna surpassed that record, creating history. Bopanna and Shelton's next match in the Monte Carlo tournament will be against the experienced Italian duo of Simone Bolelli and Andrea Vavassori, known for their excellent doubles coordination.
Recent Poor Form
Bopanna's performance is particularly noteworthy because his form had been inconsistent in recent tournaments. He reached the quarterfinals at the Qatar Open with Nuno Borges. However, he exited in the first round of the Dubai Open, Indian Wells Masters, and Miami Open. This victory is a significant confidence booster for the world's 14th-ranked Bopanna-Shelton pairing and a positive sign for upcoming Grand Slams.
Bopanna's ExampleRohan Bopanna's record is not merely a victory; it exemplifies determination, discipline, and fitness in a long career. While many players consider retirement after 30, Bopanna continues to challenge the world's top players at 45.
