Indian tennis star Rohan Bopanna has officially announced his selection for his doubles partner at the upcoming Paris Olympics. Following a comprehensive evaluation of his options, Bopanna has chosen N Sriram Balaji, a decision that has been communicated to the All India Tennis Association (AITA) without opposition.
In a formal communication to AITA, the 44-year-old Bopanna expressed his preference for Balaji, with a copy of the message also forwarded to the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) to apprise them of his decision.
The decision to partner with Balaji was influenced by Bopanna’s close observation of Balaji’s performance at the ongoing French Open. During this tournament, Balaji’s partnership with MA Reyes-Varela Martinez showcased his strong baseline game, powerful serves, and impressive net play, leading Bopanna to believe that Balaji is the ideal fit for his Olympic doubles campaign.
Bopanna’s aim for an Olympic medal remains steadfast following his near miss at the Rio Games in 2016. Despite the disappointment, Bopanna is resolute in his determination to leave a mark at the Olympics and is hopeful that his partnership with Balaji will lead to success on the grandest stage in tennis.
While Bopanna has expressed his preference for Balaji, there were other contenders for the role of his doubles partner, including India’s number two doubles player, Yuki Bhambri. However, Bhambri’s premature exit from the French Open has opened the door for Bopanna’s partnership with Balaji at the Paris Olympics.
Anil Dhupar, the Secretary General of AITA, has affirmed that the national federation does not object to Bopanna’s decision to pair up with Balaji, citing the latter’s outstanding performance at the French Open and his capabilities as a big server on the court.
The final decision on Bopanna’s choice of partner will be made by a selection panel headed by former Davis Cup player Nandan Bal, who has voiced support for Bopanna’s decision and emphasized the importance of respecting the player’s preferences in such a crucial event.
In addition to Bal, the selection panel includes former Davis Cupper Balram Singh, Mustafa Ghouse, and Sai Jailakshmi. The panel will convene a meeting to discuss Bopanna’s decision, taking into consideration the ATP/WTA rankings and the eligibility criteria provided by the International Tennis Federation (ITF) for the Paris Olympics.
The ITF is scheduled to announce the final list of qualified athletes by 12 June, with all national Olympic bodies required to confirm their entries by 19 June. Any unused quota places will be reallocated by the ITF on 8 July, after which the stage will be set for the tennis event at the Paris Olympics.
With preparations well underway, Bopanna’s choice of partner marks a significant milestone in his pursuit of Olympic glory, and his partnership with Balaji is eagerly anticipated by tennis fans and enthusiasts worldwide.