Picture Credit: Twitter
Indian tennis star Rohan Bopanna, who played his last Davis Cup match on Sunday, was given a warm and heartfelt tribute by the pilot of his flight back home. The 43-year-old veteran, who has represented India in 33 ties over two decades, was greeted by a special announcement from the captain, who praised his achievements and wished him well for his future.
In a video shared by Doordarshan Sports on Twitter, the pilot can be heard saying: “Today on board, we have one special guest, Mr. Rohan Bopanna. He is our legendary tennis player who finished today with a win over Morocco in the Davis Cup and finished his career on a high. It's a pleasure to have you on board, sir, and we wish you all the best for your journey ahead and hope you continue to make us proud again and again in your career.”
The short speech was soon followed by a thundering round of applause from the passengers on the flight. Bopanna looked moved by the gesture, and he showed his gratitude by waving at everyone in the plane.
Watch the video here:
Talking about his performance in the Davis Cup, in a doubles match against Elliot Benchetrit-Younes Lalami Laaroussi, Bopanna partnered with Yuki Bhambri. Rohan Bopanna, ranked seventh in the doubles ATP rankings, and Yuki Bhambri, ranked 65th, outclassed Elliot Benchetrit and Younes Lalami Laaroussi of Morocco to win the match 6-2, 6-1, giving India a 2-1 advantage after a game lasting one hour and 11 minutes at the Vijayant Khand Mini Stadium. Bopanna's 21-year Davis Cup career came to an end after a cross-court drop.
The seasoned player waved to the audience and shook hands with every Indian player after the game. He waved his hands and gave kisses to spectators in every stand as he traveled around the court draped in an Indian flag. After his final Davis Cup match, he laid his India jersey on the court to signify the conclusion of a distinguished career in the team competition.
Sumit Nagal then clinched the tie for India with a 6-3, 6-3 win over Yassine Dlimi in the reverse singles. The Indian tennis team now has a spot in the World Group I playoffs, which will take place in February of the following year.
