"I'm still not convinced" - Ben Shelton, Novak Djokovic, Denis Shapovalov react after Indian tennis legend Rohan Bopanna announces retirement

Ben Shelton, Novak Djokovic, Denis Shapovalov, and other tennis stars joined forces to react to Rohan Bopanna's retirement at 45. The Indian player became the oldest first-time No. 1 after his men's doubles title win at the 2024 Australian Open.

Rohan Bopanna forged a successful career in doubles, racking up 26 titles on the ATP Tour, including a Grand Slam. He also reached the mixed doubles finals at the 2018 and 2023 Australian Open, and the men’s doubles finals at the 2010 and 2023 US Open. The 45-year-old has reached the final of every Masters 1000 tournament at least once and became the oldest Masters champion after his 2024 Miami Open heroics.

Bopanna's final professional appearance came at the Paris Masters, where he teamed up with Alexander Bublik. Following his retirement announcement, several tennis players sent their love and shared their memories of the Indian player.

Djokovic shared Bopanna's farewell speech on his Instagram story, extending best wishes, commenting:

"Congrats for a splendid career Bops."

Djokovic's message for Bopanna; Instagram - @djokernole

World No. 6 Ben Shelton joined others in praising the “legend,” leaving a comment on Rohan Bopanna’s official retirement post.

"Legend! Loved playing ball with you."

Former doubles No. 1 Taylor Townsend reacted, writing:

"Loved all the battles!! You are a legend!'

Ons Jabeur, the three-time Major singles finalist, extended her heartfelt congratulations, penning:

"Legend congrats on an amazing career"

Bopanna's fellow Indian player, Sumit Nagal, echoed the sentiments, writing:

"Thank you for guiding so many people"

Ben Shelton, Taylor Townsend, and others extend their wishes; Instagram - @rohanbopanna0403

Denis Shapovalov, Bopanna’s doubles partner, achieved significant success with the Indian, including reaching his first Grand Slam quarterfinal at the 2020 US Open. He was in disbelief that his compatriot actually hung up his racket, expressing:

"Honoured to have shared the court with you and to have been a small part of your incredible career. Super grateful to have had you as my mentor & friend on tour, I’ll never forget all the memories we shared! P.S. I’m still not convinced you’re actually retiring!"

Novak Djokovic once received acclaim from Rohan Bopanna

Djokovic at the 2025 US Open - Day 13 - Source: Getty

Djokovic has etched his name in history as the most decorated tennis player, with 24 Grand Slam titles and countless records to his name. As he continues his pursuit of a 25th Grand Slam crown, he received praise from Rohan Bopanna earlier this year, who called him the “most influential” player the sport has ever seen.

"Novak Djokovic. The way he’s been so consistent over the years has been incredible. Even though I’ve been around with all the others for so many years, I think Novak has broken so many barriers. The consistency he’s had is fabulous. I also have no doubts he’s the most influential in the history of our sport,," the 45-year-old said in a Clay Tennis interview.

The Serb had a semifinal exit from the Shanghai Masters earlier in October. He will next be in contention at the Hellenic Championship.

Edited by Agnijeeta Majumder