NEW DELHI
Ahead of the 2026 Wimbledon Championships, Indian tennis icon Rohan Bopanna reflected on the powerful advice that shaped his career and led to his historic 2024 Australian Open Grand Slam victory. Bopanna credited his incredible longevity to his childhood idol, two-time Wimbledon champion Stefan Edberg.
Meeting the legend early in his career, Bopanna received invaluable wisdom that guided him through decades of professional tennis. “Edberg told me to never look at what your peers are doing,” Bopanna shared during an interview. “He said to do what works best for you, focus purely on your own strengths, and build on them.”
This unique blueprint for self-belief kept Bopanna motivated through a staggering 13-year wait between his early taste of success and his ultimate Grand Slam breakthrough. The veteran athlete admitted he initially expected major titles to arrive much quicker, but he is incredibly proud that he embraced the daily grind. By staying committed to his personal journey, Bopanna became the oldest first-time men’s doubles Grand Slam champion in tennis history.
Remaining competitive in a sport where younger players are constantly chasing your spot requires immense discipline. Bopanna emphasized that following Edberg’s customized approach allowed him to block out external noise and remain relevant at the highest level. As he prepares to take on the grass courts of Wimbledon once again, the Indian star continues to prove that patience and staying true to oneself are the ultimate keys to sporting success.
