Paris Olympics 2024: Rohan Bopanna/N Sriram Balaji vs Fabien Reboul/Edouard Roger-Vasselin preview, head-to-head, prediction, live streaming details

Rohan Bopanna will look forward to his first Games medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

The Indian pair of Rohan Bopanna and N Sriram Balaji will aim to join Leander Paes in the historic list of Indians winning an Olympic medal. In the 2016 Rio Games, the veteran narrowly missed out on a podium finish, as he ended fourth in the mixed doubles event alongside Sania Mirza.

Bopanna, currently ranked 4th in the world, has enjoyed an incredible last couple of years with his Australian partner, Matthew Ebden. The duo has delivered consistent performances across slams and were finally rewarded for their hard work when they clinched the 2024 Australian Open title. The 44-year-old has been on the hunt for a quality Indian partner ever since Sania Mirza’s retirement.

At the 2024 French Open, the Bangalorean’s search ended when he closely followed N Sriram Balaji and then played against him in the third round. Balaji’s explosive game and athleticism on the court captured the veteran’s attention, as these were the exact traits he was looking for in a doubles partner.

Although Balaji didn’t meet the qualification standards, Bopanna gained the advantage of choosing a partner of his choice due to his top 10 doubles ranking. As an unseeded pair, Rohan Bopanna and N. Sriram Balaji face a tough draw in Paris. The Indian duo will encounter some of the biggest names in men’s doubles, making their route to the business end of the event extremely challenging.

Rohan Bopanna/N Sriram Balaji vs Fabien Reboul/Edouard Roger-Vasselin match details

Date: July 27, 2024 (Saturday)

Time: 4:30 PM IST

Venue: Stade Roland Garros

Rohan Bopanna/N Sriram Balaji vs Fabien Reboul/Edouard Roger-Vasselin preview

After the 2024 Wimbledon, the Indian pair decided to get accustomed to each other’s style of play and proceeded to compete in the German Open. Unfortunately, things didn’t turn out as planned, as the duo crashed out in their very first game in straight sets. However, they have certainly spent a decent amount of time practicing in Paris since then.

Balaji’s aggressive play and quick ground coverage make the pair unique. Coupled with Bopanna’s powerful backhand and big serves, the duo forms a well-balanced team. With the pressure of performing at the world’s most prestigious event, the 44-year-old veteran India has the right athlete to bank on.

Up against them, though, will be the formidable French duo of Fabien Reboul and Edouard Roger-Vasselin, who boast an impressive record on clay. Contrary to the Indians, the hometown pair is coming off an excellent stint at the German Open where they were the runner-ups. They also beat the top-seed Rajeev Ram and Austin Krajicek in the semi-finals and will certainly be high on confidence.

With a packed French crowd cheering for the home favorites, the Indian pair will face an uphill task in their first-round match at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Head-to-Head records

Matches – 0

Rohan Bopanna/N Sriram Balaji – 0

Fabien Reboul/Edouard Roger-Vasselin – 0

The two teams have never faced each other before. However, Bopanna and Roger-Vasselin have played together in the past.

Where and how to watch live streaming and TV broadcast of Rohan Bopanna/N Sriram Balaji vs Fabien Reboul/Edouard Roger-Vasselin, 2024 Paris Olympics first-round match in India?

The live telecast of the Paris 2024 Olympics will be available on the Sports 18 network. Fans can also enjoy free live streaming of the quadrennial event on the Jio Cinema app.

Prediction

Roger-Vasselin is no stranger to Bopanna, as the duo have played together in the past. Hence both will be aware of each other’s strengths and weaknesses. On any other court, this matchup would have been heavily in favor of the Indians. However, playing on home soil, the French duo becomes an extremely tough opponent to deal with, especially considering their recent performance on clay at the German Open.

Rohan Bopanna, who is in all likelihood playing in his final Olympics will certainly give it his all. His performance in grand slams for the past three years has been nothing short of sensational. Albeit a different partner, the nation will expect him to continue with the good work and lead India’s hopes in the event.

Balaji, who’s featuring in his debut Games will have to complement his senior-pro. With no room for error, he needs to hit the ground running. A lot will come down to the Indian pair’s communication and ability to adjust to each other’s mode of play, having played just a solitary tournament together prior to the event.

While a billion hearts will cheer for India’s Bopanna and Balaji, one cannot overlook the formidable challenge posed by the French duo. An intense clash awaits, with the team that holds their nerve at crunch moments prevailing.

Prediction: Fabien Reboul/Edouard Roger-Vasselin to win in three sets.

For more updates, follow Khel Now on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Whatsapp & Telegram