India’s tennis star Rohan Bopanna has announced his retirement from the international circuit after being knocked out in the first round of the Paris Olympics. The 44-year-old, who had hinted at his retirement before the Summer Games, was aiming for a prestigious gold medal in Paris to sign off. However, Bopanna and partner Balaji were knocked out in the first round of the men’s doubles event, losing to their French rivals.

Rohan Bopanna retires

“This will definitely be my last event for the country. I fully understand where I am and now I’m just going to enjoy the tennis circuit while I can“, said Bopanna.

India’s medal chances evaporate after Bopanna-Balaji failure

Bopanna and Balaji were no match for their opponents and lost the match 5-7, 2-6. While the seasoned Bopanna looked unwell throughout the match, Balaji was the only one who put up a fight. However, the opponents used Bopanna’s form to their advantage and targeted him, forcing Balaji to make mistakes or hit the nets alone.

Hopes were high that the Indian duo would lead India’s tennis attack at the Paris Olympics. But that was not to be the case. Veteran Rohan Bopanna and his partner Sriram Balaji were completely overwhelmed by their French counterparts.

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