Rafael Nadal issues message to player who broke two very rare and unique records

Rafael Nadal issued a congratulatory message to Rohan Bopanna after the 43-year-old Indian completed two very distinctive achievements on the Australian Open. 

On Saturday, Bopanna lifted his first Grand Slam title in males’s doubles after he and his companion Matthew Ebden defeated Simone Bolelli and Andrea Vavassori 7-6 (0) 7-5. By successful a Grand Slam at 43 years and 329 years, Bopanna turned the oldest male participant to win a Grand Slam males’s doubles title within the Open Period.

Earlier within the event, Bopanna secured changing into the oldest world No. 1 in tennis historical past. When the ATP rankings checklist will get up to date on Monday, Bopanna – at 43 years and 331 days – would be the top-ranked doubles participant for the primary time in his profession and likewise the oldest world No. 1. 

“Congrats Rohan on a tremendous and distinctive achievement!!!!” Nadal wrote on his Instagram Story and tagged Bopanna.

Bopanna makes historical past and will get congratulated by Nadal

After Bopanna and Ebden sealed a win at Rod Laver Area, the 43-year-old Indian cracked some jokes whereas addressing the group.

“You undoubtedly acquired to know the way outdated I’m,” Bopanna jokingly informed the group after the doubles ultimate. “I’ve modified it a bit, I say I’m at stage 43, not age 43 now!”

Earlier than Bopanna, the oldest males’s doubles world No. 1 was Mike Bryan, who was 41 years and 76 days outdated when he misplaced the world No. 1 rating in 2019 July. 

“What a tremendous event. Because of my companion Rohan,” Ebden mentioned throughout the trophy presentation. “Age really actually shouldn’t be even a quantity for this man. He’s younger at coronary heart. He’s a champion and a warrior.”

Now, Bopanna has two Grand Slam titles in his assortment. In 2017, Bopanna turned a Grand Slam champion after he and Gabriela Dabrowski received the 2017 French Open blended doubles title. 

After a powerful begin to 2024 with Ebden, there isn’t any doubt that the brand new world No. 1 staff shall be trying so as to add extra Grand Slam success to their identify within the the rest of the 12 months.