Bopanna & Ebden's Thrilling Comeback Victory at Australian Open Doubles Opener

In a spectacular display of resilience, Rohan Bopanna and Matt Ebden, seeded second in the men’s doubles at the Australian Open 2024, staged a remarkable comeback to secure a thrilling victory over Australian wildcards James Duckworth and Marc Polmans in the first round.

Facing a challenging 0-5 deficit in the first set, the Indian-Australian pair fought back admirably, leveling the score at 6-6 and eventually clinching the set 7-6 after a tense tie-break. The second set witnessed a closely contested battle, with both teams holding their serves until the Australians broke Ebden’s serve in the ninth game, leveling the match at one set apiece.

The deciding set unfolded as a nail-biter, with neither pair managing to break the other’s serve. The match extended into a super tie-break, where Bopanna and Ebden showcased their prowess with powerful volleys and serves, securing a convincing 10-2 victory. This hard-fought triumph propelled them into the second round.

Bopanna and Ebden’s impressive 2023 season, featuring titles at Indian Wells and Doha, coupled with runner-up finishes at four Masters 1000 events and the US Open, underscored their formidable partnership. The duo is set to face another Australian pair, John Millman and Edward Winter, in the second round on Friday, aiming to extend their winning streak and make a strong bid for their first Grand Slam title together.

With their ability to navigate challenging situations and deliver under pressure, Bopanna and Ebden are poised to make a significant impact as they continue their quest at the Australian Open.