Commonwealth Games will be a huge success, says Rohan Bopanna
The Professional tennis star Rohan Bopanna is the player of the moment in Indian tennis. After a couple of injuries and health issues kept the Indian in the wilderness for seasons, the thirty year old Rohan is back in the spotlight prior to the Commonwealth
Games.
Following his career best doubles performance at the United States Open as well as a win in the decisive fifth rubber during the Davis Cup tie versus Brazil.
The star status, however, has not affected Rohan, or his booming serve in any way. The player remains down to earth and speaks his heart out. Bopanna honestly thinks that India has a bright chance of ending with a handful of medals in its upcoming multi
discipline event, the Commonwealth Games in New Delhi.
Rohan is teamed up with India’s top ranked tennis contender Somdev Devvarman in the doubles and he will contest the mixed competition along with Nirupama Vaidyanathan, who has come out of her retirement at thirty-four years of age.
Rohan does not think that India will have a comfortable ride, in spite of the fact that they are touted favourites in the absence of top Canadian, British and Australian contenders.
“Every country will bring their A-Game to the Commonwealth Games and I am not expecting any easy matches. Everyone has an equal chance of winning a medal and there is no room for complacency. But I think the Indians have a strong chance of finishing close
to the top”, Rohan said on Thursday.
The doubles expert has had a stunning season, making his way into the doubles final of the US Open at the Flushing Meadows along with his partner Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi from Pakistan. Then he won the decisive fifth rubber versus Ricardo Mello from Brazil
at Chennai to see his side through to the World Group.
Bopanna when asked about his success said that he has achieved it through hard work and determination right from the start of his career.
“You have to be dedicated if you want to make it to the top in any field. I also work really hard to maintain my fitness levels and that has helped me beyond measure. I am glad that it’s paying off on the court. This has been my most successful year on
Tour. I am in good touch and confident that if I continue working hard and playing this way I can win a medal for India at the Delhi Games”, said Rohan.
He is hoping to continue his form and game in the next few years as well.
A couple of top tennis contenders including the former top ranked Lleyton Hewitt from Australia, World number four Andy Murray of Scotland as well as world number eighteen Marcos Baghdatis from Cypriot will not be there. Their preoccupation with the Tour
has made them unavailable, whereas a few others pulled out as a result of health and security issues in New Delhi.
Bopanna, however, feels the withdrawals will not diminish the charm of the event which he feels will be a huge success.
“It is a great honour to represent India at the Games, regardless of who will or will not be competing. I am glad so many athletes have turned up and that no country has actually pulled out entirely from the Games. I am sure it will be a great success. Honestly
as athletes we are used to controversies being hyped up and the media playing up a lot of news so none of us has any apprehensions and we are all looking forward to it,” he added.
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