In a thrilling final at the Hard Rock Stadium, the 44-year-old Bopanna and Ebden displayed their resilience and skill, rallying from a set down to secure a sensational 6-7(3), 6-3, 10-6 victory over Croatia’s Ivan Dodig and American Austin Krajicek on Saturday.
Surpassing his own record set last year at the Indian Wells title triumph, Bopanna’s win at the Miami Open not only reclaimed the top spot in the doubles ranking but also marked his remarkable consistency and longevity in the sport.
Reflecting on the victory, Bopanna expressed his delight, stating, “It’s amazing. As long as you are doing well in these big events, it’s what we play for. I want to do well in the Masters 1000s and the Grand Slams. It’s good to keep that record going and keep giving everyone else a run for their money.”
This triumph marked Bopanna’s 14th ATP Masters 1000 final and his 63rd ATP Tour level final, further solidifying his status as one of the most accomplished doubles players in the game.
In addition to rewriting records, Bopanna also achieved a rare feat by becoming the second Indian, after Leander Paes, to reach the final of all nine ATP Masters events, showcasing his versatility and skill across different surfaces and tournaments.
Reflecting on the intense final, Ebden acknowledged the resilience of their opponents but highlighted their ability to reset and stage a comeback. “It’s tough. These guys, they fight back in tough moments,” said Ebden. “They played a great tie-break, and then we just reset.”
With their victory at the Miami Open, Bopanna and Ebden reclaimed their spot at the top of the ATP rankings, reaffirming their status as one of the most formidable doubles pairs on the circuit.
This win not only adds another trophy to Bopanna’s illustrious career but also serves as a testament to his unwavering dedication and passion for the sport, inspiring players around the world with his remarkable achievements at the age of 44.
(With inputs from PTI)