Doubles ace Rohan Bopanna sprang a pleasant surprise last week when he decided to retire from professional tennis after an illustrious career spanning over two decades. The tall and strapping Coorgi may have won only two Grand Slam titles, but to have played with over 120 partners is a record of sorts. Two losses hurt the 45-year-old Bopanna, losing the bronze medal play-off match with Sania Mirza at the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro. There were more tears as Sania and Bopanna lost the mixed doubles final in 2023 at the Australian Open to Luisa Stefani and Rafael Matos from Brazil.

In an exclusive chat with mid-day on Tuesday, the seasoned star opened up on his decision to hang up his racquet and what’s next on his side of the court. 
 
Edited excerpts from an interview.