Rohan Bopanna & Matthew Ebden reach consecutive grand slam finals, Bopanna eyes maiden men's doubles title

Rohan Bopanna and his Australian partner Matthew Ebden stormed into their second consecutive Grand Slam final in men's doubles at the Australian Open, edging out Zhang Zhizhen and Tomas Machac in a nail-biting 6-3, 3-6, 7-6(10-7) semifinal battle under the Rod Laver Arena roof. This feat marks not only their continued momentum as a team but also a significant personal milestone for Bopanna, a veteran Indian player aiming for another crack at Grand Slam glory.

The Indo-Australian duo, seeded second, have been a force to be reckoned with throughout the tournament, dispatching strong contenders like with unyielding finesse. Their semifinal victory further solidifies their dominance, showcasing their cohesive strategy and unwavering determination.

"We'll give it our all for the title shot"

For Bopanna, 43, this Grand Slam return holds special significance. While he boasts a French Open mixed doubles title alongside Gabriela Dabrowski in 2017, the men's doubles trophy remains elusive. Hence, this Australian Open opportunity brings him tantalisingly close to fulfilling a long-cherished dream. "Reaching the final is a great feeling," Bopanna expressed after the win. "We've been playing exceptionally well together, and the confidence is high. We'll give it our all for the title shot."

Ebden, 36, also shares the thrill of another Grand Slam final appearance. He previously reached the Australian Open final in 2021, partnering Samantha Stosur, but fell short. This time, alongside Bopanna's seasoned expertise, he carries the hope of finally claiming the coveted championship. "Being back in the final is exciting," Ebden admitted. "I've learned a lot from past experiences, and I believe we have a strong chance. We're ready to fight for the win."

The pair now await their opponents in the final. They will face the winner of the second semifinal between Germany's Dominik Koepfer and Yannick Hanfmann, and Italy's Andrea Vavassori and Simone Bolelli at the Rod Laver Arena itself. Regardless of the final outcome, Bopanna and Ebden's journey to the Australian Open stage has already etched their names in the tournament's history. Their unwavering spirit and potent teamwork serve as an inspiration for aspiring doubles players and a testament to the power of perseverance on the Grand Slam stage.