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New Delhi: Tennis great Rohan Bopanna announced his decision to retire from the professional circuit through a social media post on Saturday.

One of the greatest Indians to play tennis, Bopanna won the mixed doubles title at the 2017 French Open with Gabriela Dabrowski, and in 2024, he scripted history by winning the Australian Open title with Matthew Ebden.

The 45-year-old penned an emotional note and recalled his glorious journey that earned him the World No 1 tag last year after winning the Australian Open.

“A Goodbye… But Not The End. How do you bid farewell to something that gave your life its meaning? After 20 unforgettable years on tour however, it’s time… I’m officially hanging up my racquet,” Bopanna wrote.

“As I write this, my heart feels both heavy and grateful. Starting my journey from a small town of Coorg in India, chopping blocks of wood to strengthen my serve, jogging through coffee estates to build stamina and chasing dreams on cracked courts to standing under the lights of the biggest arenas in the world — it all feels surreal,” he recalled.

“Tennis hasn’t been just a game for me — It has given me purpose when I was lost, strength when I was broken and belief when the world doubted me,” he said.

“Every time I stepped onto a court, it taught me perseverance, resilience to rise, to fight again when everything inside me said I couldn’t — and most of all, reminded me why I started and who I am,” Bopanna added.

He expressed gratitude towards his family and fans who stood his side during the highs and lows of his career.

“To my wonderful parents — you are my heroes. You gave me everything so I could chase this dream. The sacrifices you made, the quiet strength you carried, the faith you never lost…I owe it all to you.

To my sister, Rashmi — you’ve been my gentle constant and my cheerleader through it all. You’ve always seen the best in me, even when I couldn’t.

To my family — thank you for being my anchor, my safe haven, and the love that kept me standing through every high and low.

To my wife, Supriya — my greatest partner off court. You’ve lived this journey with me, the long flights, sleepless nights, and moments I’ve missed. You have carried our world with such grace while I chased mine. Your love, patience and strength are the quiet reasons behind every success I’ve ever had.

To my daughter, Tridha — you’ve changed the way I see everything. You have given me new purpose and a softer strength. Every match I played in these last years, I played for you, to show you that dreams are worth fighting for and that kindness and courage matter more than winning. You are my heart,” Bopanna posted.