Star tennis player Rohan Bopanna has chosen N Sriram Balaji as his partner for the Paris Olympics, and the All India Tennis Association (AITA) is expected to support this decision. Balaji, who recently showcased his skills at the French Open, is a promising partner for Bopanna. The 44-year-old veteran emailed AITA, marking TOPS in his communication, to confirm his decision.
AITA Secretary General Anil Dhupar confirmed there are no objections to Bopanna’s choice. “Rohan has written to us that he wants to play with Balaji. Balaji is a good player and performed well in Pakistan and at the ongoing French Open. If Rohan wants to play with him, we have no objection,” Dhupar said.
N Sriram balaji pips Yuki Bhambri for Paris Olympics as Rohan Bopanna’s partner
Yuki Bhambri who ranked India’s number two in doubles at 52, was also a contender. Bhambri’s season included a first-round exit at the French Open with French partner Albano Olivetti, but he achieved notable success on clay, winning the ATP 250 in Munich and finishing runner-up at another ATP 250 event in Lyon.
However, Balaji’s recent form in doubles category has been impressive. He, along with his partner Andre Begemann, reached the doubles final at the ATP Sardegna Open, defeating the second-seeded Austrian pair Alexander Erler and Lucas Miedler. At the French Open, Balaji, paired with Miguel Angel Reyes-Varela Martinez, advanced to the pre-quarterfinals,
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Rohan Bopanna’s ultimate shot at Olympics glory
This will be Bopanna’s last opportunity for an Olympic medal. He previously came close at the Rio Games, where he and Sania Mirza narrowly missed out on a bronze in mixed doubles. Given the significance of this chance, both AITA and the selection committee are likely to back Bopanna’s choice of partner.
The final decision on the pairing will be made by the selection committee after the International Tennis Federation (ITF) publishes the final list. The ATP/WTA rankings on June 10 will determine the entries, with the ITF notifying associations by June 12. National Olympic Committees must confirm entries by June 19, and the ITF will reallocate unused quota places on July 8.
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