In an unforgettable display of sportsmanship, Rohan Bopanna garnered widespread admiration, despite coming up short in the US Open men’s doubles final alongside Matthew Ebden. The pair faced formidable opponents in Rajeev Ram and Joe Salisbury, but it was Bopanna’s extraordinary act that stole the spotlight.
A Touch of Integrity by Bopanna
During a critical moment in the match, with the score at 2-4 in the final set, Matthew Ebden unleashed a cross-court forehand that incidentally grazed Rohan Bopanna’s right arm. Remarkably, the ball continued its trajectory, resulting in a winning shot for Ebden. However, the chair umpire failed to observe the subtle touch. In a true testament to his integrity, Bopanna immediately acknowledged the contact and forfeited the point.
Rohan Bopanna’s decision to admit the touch was guided by his unwavering commitment to fair play. In his own words, “That’s the person I have been through my career, and I really feel if something — it doesn’t matter what the scoreline or what the occasion of the match is — if something was not right, it was not right.” He promptly informed the referee about the incident, even as confusion loomed over the court.
Matthew Ebden, the only individual in the stadium who witnessed the ball grazing Bopanna’s arm, attested to the act of sportsmanship. Positioned directly behind Bopanna during the crucial play, Ebden had a clear view of the deviation caused by the inadvertent touch. His acknowledgment further underscored the integrity displayed by Bopanna.
Ram’s Tribute to Bopanna
Following the match, during the trophy ceremony, Rajeev Ram took the opportunity to commend Rohan Bopanna’s exceptional sportsmanship. Ram, a close friend and competitor of Bopanna for over two decades on the Tour, expressed his astonishment at the self-forfeiture. He stated, “Rohan and I are real close, and that act of sportsmanship today, what he did out on the court… I have never seen anything like that.” Ram emphasized the significance of the moment and how it exemplifies Bopanna’s character and deserving position in his career.
Rohan Bopanna’s remarkable act of sportsmanship serves as a source of inspiration, not only for fellow athletes but for sports enthusiasts worldwide. It reaffirms the values of honesty and fair play that are at the core of competitive sports. While the title eluded Bopanna and Ebden on this occasion, the memory of this extraordinary moment will undoubtedly endure.
