Tennis In 2024: Rafael Nadal Retires As NextGen Takes Over; Rohan Bopanna Reaches Summit

A change of guard is underway in the world of tennis, as the era of legendary players slowly gives way to a new wave of talented youngsters. The sport is on the cusp of an exciting transformation, with the next generation of stars ready to take centre stage and forge their own paths to greatness. For India, the year started on a sweet note, with veteran Rohan Bopanna reaching the summit where he stood apart from the rest of his competitors.

In January, Bopanna became the oldest player to win a Grand Slam title after tasting success with his partner Matthew Ebden at the Rod Laver Arena by lifting their maiden Australian Open men's doubles title as a team.

The Indian-Australian duo managed to oust the Italian pair of Simone Bolelli and Andrea Vavassori with a straight-set win to etch their names in history in golden letters.

His success became a sight to behold, especially after he climbed to a career-best world No. 1 in the latest ATP Double Rankings following his special win.

The partnership saw its ups and downs and drew its final breath in November. Bopanna and Ebden announced the end of their successful two-year partnership.

The duo, who began playing together in January 2023, claimed significant titles, including the Australian Open Grand Slam title and ATP Masters 1000 trophies at Indian Wells (2023) and Miami Open (2024).

As fans bid adieu to the renowned pair, the world was not ready to embrace what was next to follow. Spain's prized tennis star Rafael Nadal decided to have his last dance and bring the curtain down on his 23-year-old career as a professional tennis player.

With the final shot hit and the last racket laid to rest, the tennis world pauses to bid farewell to a legend, Rafael Nadal, who rewrote tennis