By BD Narayankar
Bengaluru, Jan 10 (.) Former India doubles star Rohan Bopanna was a prominent figure off the court at the Bengaluru Open on Saturday, as he reunited with young tour player Benjamin Kittay, whom he has mentored since his early days in professional tennis.
Bopanna’s presence highlighted his continued influence in nurturing the next generation of doubles talent.
Bopanna, a former Grand Slam finalist and one of India’s most accomplished doubles players, has guided Kittay through crucial stages of his development, providing advice on strategy, court awareness, and handling high-pressure moments.
Kittay recalled that he first met Bopanna when he was just eight at the U.S. Open and that they have stayed in touch and practiced together over the years.
He described Bopanna as “a great friend throughout my whole life” and acknowledged the veteran’s guidance as invaluable as he started his full-time tour career. Seeing Bopanna again at the Bengaluru Open, Kittay said, “Seeing him this week was really special.”
While Bopanna has stepped away from competitive doubles, he continues to be an inspiring figure on the Indian tennis circuit. He has no plans to return to the tour, but Kittay noted that “father time finally caught up to him. But seeing him with his daughter really makes me happy because I would see them at the U.S. Open and other tournaments. So I’m happy for him.”
Fans and young players alike look up to Bopanna for his achievements and his willingness to support emerging talent, and his presence at the tournament underscored his ongoing commitment to Indian and international tennis.
Bopanna’s guidance and friendship have clearly made an impact, as evidenced by Kittay’s composed and tactical performance in the doubles final. The Bengaluru fans witnessed not only the triumph of Kittay and his partner Nicholas Barrientos but also a moment of continuity in Indian tennis, with Bopanna’s mentorship playing a quiet yet significant role behind the scenes.
Barrientos and Kittay lifted the doubles trophy in a performance that combined nerves of steel, strategic brilliance, and flawless teamwork, keeping the packed stadium buzzing from the very first serve to the final point.
The Colombian-American pair overcame a resilient A. Reymond and L. Sanchez in straight sets, 7-6, 7-5, in a final that was as much a battle of tactical intelligence as of shot-making.
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