Now that it’s confirmed that Rohan Bopanna and N Sriram Balaji will partner at the Paris 2024 Olympics, it’s the right time to discuss what their chances are to win a tennis medal for India after 28 years. The pairing was a slight shock to some, as Bopanna decided to ignore Yuki Bhambri for Balaji, despite the former’s superior ranking (54 to 67). However, for those who have been following the clay season this year, it wasn’t a surprise.
Rohan Bopanna & N Sriram Balaji hit pair on clay?
Balaji has been playing tennis on clay since late March (Challengers included) and has a 14-8 record, which included a title in Cagliari and a third-round run at the French Open, where he eventually lost to Rohan Bopanna. Bhambri has had a better time on clay, with a 250 title to his name, but he lost to Balaji and crashed out of the first round at the French.
Given that Roland Garros is the venue for the Paris Olympics, it isn’t a shock that the better performer at the Slam was picked by Bopanna. Of course, the disappointment at the Asian Games 2023, where Bhambri and Bopanna went out in the first round despite being heavy favorites. But, will the reshuffle work? Especially considering how other nations have higher-ranked duos and with Carlos Alcaraz and Rafael Nadal in the mix as well.
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Bopanna & Balaji’s chances at Paris Olympics
Their biggest rivals would be Andrea Vavassori and Simone Bolelli. The Italian duo are ranked 10th and 12th in the ATP doubles rankings and have a splendid record against Bopanna. The fourth-ranked Indian had beaten them alongside his partner Matthew Ebden at the Australian Open and Miami Masters but lost at French Open and the Rome Masters. So on clay, Bopanna has a 0-2 record against them, and they made the French Open final, which means they’ll be the biggest title contenders due to their form and seeding.
Other tough opponents will be Rajeev Ram and one of the other three USA players he’ll partner with. Ram had beaten Bopanna in the US Open final last year and won the French Open a few days ago. Great Britain’s Joe Salisbury will also be a worry for the Indian duo. Salisbury partnered with Ram to lift the Roland Garros title, but it isn’t certain whether he’ll pair with Neal Skupski or Jamie Murray.
Of course, Carlos Alcaraz and Rafael Nadal will also be present. Nadal is an Olympic legend and has won gold medals in singles and men’s doubles. Alcaraz hasn’t had success in doubles (3-3) but is one of the best players at the net and won the French Open in singles. Both consider clay their best surface and while they don’t play doubles consistently, one can’t forget that Roger Federer paired up with Stan Wawrinka to win an Olympic gold medal despite neither of them playing doubles consistently.
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