Rohan Bopanna said it was the perfect birthday gift as the 31-year-old celebrated winning his first doubles title with new partner, Mahesh Bhupathi, in Dubai, on Saturday night.
The Indian duo overcame Mariusz Fyrstenburg and Marcin Matkowski of Poland 6-4, 3-6, 10-5 in 69 minutes to lift their first trophy together as a team.
“I couldn’t have asked for a better gift,” said Bopanna. “It’s my first ATP 500 title. “Of course as a team it is a first, but even – otherwise I won a 250, won a Masters Series, but never a 500. This is great, and obviously it’s great to play with Mahesh. All that 17 years of experience on court I think really helps in those close matches and these big moments.
“He’s helped me so much throughout my career coming up from Futures, always kept in touch with me and helped me whenever possible, which is great. It’s a good opportunity for me to play with him, alongside with him. Couldn’t have asked for anything better than winning this title.”
Bhupathi said: “20 years ago I played my first professional match here in Dubai, so it’s a very special place for me. The crowd is amazing. It’s even better than playing at home, because the stadium here is bigger than Chennai.”
The new pairing have their sights set on the Olympics, but with three players – Bhupathi, Leander Paes and Bopanna – it’s going to be difficult finding out who will play mixed doubles with Sania Mirza at the Games.
“We’re all thinking about that,” laughed the pair. Bhupathi said: There are three of us thinking about it. We don’t know what she’s thinking. Maybe we can play one match each (laughs).”
