Australian Matt Ebden wins his first Australian Open men’s doubles title alongside India’s Rohan Bopanna.
Melbourne, Australia, 27 January 2024 | Leigh Rogers
Perseverance has paid off for Australia’s Matt Ebden and his Indian partner Rohan Bopanna at Australian Open 2024.
The second-seeded duo captured their maiden Australian Open men’s doubles title this evening at Rod Laver Arena, after surviving a spirited challenge from Italian combination Simone Bolelli and Andrea Vavassori.
Ebden and Bopanna managed to triumph 7-6(0) 7-5 to secure their first major title as a team.
“It’s been such a dream come true to win here in Australia in front of our home fans,” a proud Ebden beamed.
There was only a single break across a fiercely contested 99-minute final, with Ebden and Bopanna striking in the 11th game of the second set.
The second seeds finished the high-quality encounter with 26 winners and zero unforced errors.
“It was such a tough final today, I think it could have gone either way,” Ebden said.
Australian Open 2024 men’s doubles champions Rohan Bopanna and Matt Ebden. Picture: Getty Images
It is 36-year-old Ebden’s third Grand Slam crown, adding to his Australian Open mixed doubles title won in 2013 and the Wimbledon men’s doubles title in 2022, and Bopanna’s second, following his Roland Garros mixed doubles victory in 2017.
“What an amazing tournament,” Ebden said.
“Thanks to my partner Rohan. He’s 43 years old and this is his first men’s Grand Slam doubles win. Age truly is not a number for this guy. He’s young at heart, he’s a champion, he’s a warrior.”
As Bopanna’s first major men’s doubles title, it sets a new Open era record for most attempts (at 61) before scoring a breakthrough title.
“For me, without a doubt the best moment in my career,” said Bopanna, who also becomes the oldest Grand Slam men’s doubles champion.
“I had thoughts of quitting and stopping, but to just persevere and enjoy what I was doing, I think, was the best thing I told myself.”
The enduring 43-year-old also ties compatriot Leander Paes for most Australian Open appearances (with 17) before scooping a maiden men’s doubles title. Ebden, making his 15th appearance at his home Grand Slam, sits just behind them on this list.
“For years and years I’ve been trying to, you know, get there,” Bopanna acknowledged. “I mean, the hurdle was tough.”
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