Rohan Bopanna believes that he can win every time he enters the court, an upbeat feeling that is quite new to him. This self-confidence propelled him to the French Open mixed doubles title on Thursday, with Canadian partner Gabriela Dabrowski.
Bopanna spoke at a press conference at the KSLTA Stadium here on Saturday. Excerpts:
Gaining self-belief in 2017
At the start of the year, Jeevan Nedunchezhiyan and I won the Chennai Open. Then, Marcin (Matkowski) and I reached the Dubai Open final.
In April, Pablo Cuevas and I took the Monte Carlo Masters title.
So I’ve played with three different players this year. I’ve had to adapt to their styles, and I’ve had to figure out a way to use our combined strengths to get good results.
This is the main reason why I feel that I’m now playing the best tennis of my career. Every time I step on to the court, I feel like I can win. This level of confidence is something new for me.
Winning his maiden Grand Slam title, 14 years after turning professional
I have never given up on anything — this is my strength. When I was a junior, I had lost a lot of tournaments in the early rounds. I wasn’t discouraged, and I just continued to work really hard.
Being better prepared than he was in his only other Grand Slam final appearance (2010 US Open men’s doubles)
I felt no nerves at all this time around. All the experience gained over the years meant that I was much better prepared now than I was in 2010.
Arjuna Award recommendation
I’m very, very happy. The AITA had nominated me in 2014 and 2015 as well, but I didn’t get the nod. We have to wait and see what happens this year.
Grasscourt season ahead
I will play Queens with Ivan Dodig, as Pablo is not available at that time. Pablo and I will team up for Eastbourne and Wimbledon. We want to qualify forLondon Masters.
