New Delhi: Basking in the glory of his first Grand Slam title win, Rohan Bopanna said here Wednesday that the mixed doubles title triumph at the French Open has strengthened his belief that ‘one should never give up on dreams’.
Bopanna had to wait for 14 years to clinch a Major trophy, the French Open mixed doubles with Gabriela Dabrwoski, and the 37-year-old said it was worth the wait.
“It’s not only the defeats and tough times that teach, certain victories signal a few things too. Never give up on your dreams. That is something which stands out (in this win),” Bopanna told this agency after meeting union sports minister Vijay Goel.
“Age is only a number. You can’t set a timeline (for achievements). As long as you believe in yourself and keep working hard, nothing can stop you. I worked towards my goal, every single day and I am feeling grateful that my team also put in efforts. Although tennis is an individual sport, everyone has contributed in it,” said the winner of 16 ATP doubles titles.
Mixed doubles is played only at Grand Slams and even considered a side show. Bopanna however, refused comment on the perception. When an athlete is recognised only after achieving something at the global stage, such victories are to be savoured and Bopanna is living every moment of it.
“To get singles champions in Majors or on the ATP circuit, we need to have a system in place at the grassroot level. We have a very limited support from the Federation (AITA), or the corporates. We need that system to compete with European standards,” Bopanna pointed out.
Bopanna is doing his bit for the sport by bringing in foreign coaches at his academy – UK’s Aubrey Barrett and Serbia’s Dragan Bukumirovic.
“The two coaches will be at my academy for a year and help these kids. I tell the players if they go outside, go for a year not for a month or so. In a month it does not really help improve much,” he informed.
Talking about his meeting with Goel, he said, “I always keep reading that they are doing so much for sports, so it was good to meet him in person. He was happy that I have started my tennis academy in Bangalore. Let’s see how the government and the players can come together and help the sport,” Bopanna stated.
Press Trust of India