Rohan Bopanna and Matthew Ebden, the second seeds in the Australian Open 2023 Men’s Doubles, navigated a thrilling three-set battle to secure their spot in the second round. Facing a resilient Australian wildcard pair in James Duckworth and Marc Polmans, the Indo-Australian duo overcame a shaky start to win 7-6(5), 4-6, 7-6(10-2).
Down 0-5 in the first set, Bopanna and Ebden displayed remarkable resilience, clawing their way back to force a tie-break. Their experience and firepower shone through as they clinched the opener. The second set saw Duckworth and Polmans fight back to level the match, setting the stage for a nail-biting final set.
The third set turned into a see-saw battle, with both teams exchanging breaks and holding serve with grit. However, in the crucial tie-break, Rohan Bopanna and Matthew Ebden’s superior court craft and sharp volleys proved decisive. They dominated the extra frame, winning it by a comfortable 10-2 margin, sealing their hard-fought victory.
This win marks a significant milestone for Rohan Bopanna and Matthew Ebden, who return to the Australian Open 2024 as a formidable force after reaching the finals last year. Their impressive comeback showcases their mental toughness and championship pedigree, putting them in contention for another deep run in the tournament.
Their next challenge comes in the form of another Australian wildcard pair, John Millman and Edward Winter, or the unseeded duo Marcus Daniel and Marcelo Demoliner. While Bopanna and Ebden are favored to advance, they cannot afford to underestimate their opponents who will be eager to cause another upset.
However, the true test for the Indo-Australian duo is likely to come later in the tournament, potentially in the semifinals where they might face their nemesis, the top-seeded pair of Rajeev Ram and Joe Salisbury. These two teams have clashed twice recently, with Ram and Salisbury holding a 2-0 advantage.
Bopanna and Ebden will be determined to break that streak and reach the Australian Open final once again. Their thrilling opening victory has set the stage for a captivating journey, and tennis fans can expect plenty of fireworks from this dynamic duo as they aim to add another chapter to their impressive partnership.
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