Matt Ebden and Rohan Bopanna create history in Australian Open doubles final

Rohan Bopanna has become the oldest tennis doubles grand slam champion having won the men's championship with Aussie partner Matt Ebden as the tennis world loses it amid the historic scenes. Bopanna has attempted to win a grand slam title 61 times during his long career and his dream finally came true after he and Ebden defeated Simone Bolelli and Andrea Vavassori on Rod Laver Arena.

The 43-year-old is now the oldest male player to win a doubles grand slam in the open era. The tennis world has erupted over Bopanna's achievement with parter Ebden full of praise for the new grand slam champion.

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"What an amazing tournament. Thanks to my partner Rohan; he is 43 years old, it is is first men's grand slam doubles final," Ebden said. "Age truly really is not even a number for this guy. He is young at heart. He is a champion and a warrior and he has fought hard by my side this whole last year.

"It has been such a dream come true to win here in Australia in front of our home fans so thank you so much." Bopanna was thrilled to have won alongside Ebden in Australia having lost the US Open doubles final last year in heartbreaking fashion.

"Obviously this could not have been possible if I do not have a fantastic Aussie partner by my side so thank you to Matt," he said. "We have had a fantastic season last year and for me to win my first men's doubles grand slam here, thank you."

Ebden wasn't the only one swooning over Bopanna's feat. The tennis world erupted with joy at seeing Bopanna defy the odds and create history. Bille Jean King led the plaudits for Bopanna: "It's never too late to chase your dreams".

Rohan Bopanna's heartwarming admission in speech

Not only did Bopanna deliver on the court, but he also left fans swooning after his admission during his speech. The doubles champion admitted he nearly gave up tennis, before giving it one more run with Ebden. “My beautiful wife, Supriya, & my daughter, Tridha... thank you for all the support, all the love," he said. "I know a couple years ago I sent her a video message and said ‘I’m gonna call it a day.’

"Because I wasn’t winning matches at all. I went five months without winning a match. I thought that was gonna be the end of my journey. Perseverance inside me just kept me going. I really changed so many things and found a wonderful partner."

The title marks Ebden's third major title affer winning Wimbledon last year. Ebden won his first slam in the mixed doubles in Melbourne 11 years ago. Two years ago the 36-year-old won the Wimbledon men's doubles crown with Max Purcell.

They lost to fellow local pair Nick Kyrgios and Thanasi Kokkinakis at the Australian Open two years ago. It has now been three years in a row an Australian has won the doubles title with Rinky Hijikata and Jason Kubler taking the title in 2023.

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