US Open 2023 Highlights: Rohan Bopanna/Matthew Ebden suffer final heartbreak to finish as runners-up

Welcome to the Khel Now's live blog for the Rohan Bopanna/Matthew Ebden vs Rajeev Ram/Joe Salisbury men's doubles final match in US Open 2023.

India’s 43-year-old Rohan Bopanna partnering Matthew Ebden marched into the men’s doubles final of US Open 2023 after defeating French duo Nicolas Mahut and Pierre-Hughes Herbert in straight sets (7-6, 6-2). With the virtue of this win, the Indo-Aussie pair reach their maiden Grand Slam final as pair. Also, Rohan Bopanna (43 years 6 months) becomes the oldest player to play in the final of a Grand Slam in Open Era leapfrogging Daniel Nestor (43 years 4 months).

After becoming the oldest player to clinch an ATP Masters title earlier this year, Bopanna shall be looking forward to win clinch his maiden Grand Slam title in men’s doubles. The Indian last reached a Grand Slam final (in men’s doubles) was way back in 2010 at US Open, partnering Aisam-Ul-Haq Qureshi where they finished runner-up.

Preview

Rohan Bopanna-Matthew Ebden suffered a early setback in the semi-finals clash with the French pair breaking serve early (2-3). However, the Indo-Aussie pair was quick to regain back momentum to level back scoreline (4-4). A total of seven double faults were recorded in the opening eight games in the first set and it was the double faults which did not go in French pair’s favour.

Towards the end of 1st set, Mahut-Herbert took a brief break and called in for a medical timeout. It was from here the pair lost momentum as they failed to put in much fight in the tie breaker and post break, could garner only two games out of the next seven on offer.

About the opponents

Two-time reigning champions Rajeev Ram and Joe Salisbury will be hoping to create history by clinching hattrick of titles at the US Open 2023. The American-British pair defeated Rolland Garros champions Ivan Dodig and Austin Krajicek (7-5, 3-6, 6-3) in the semi-finals. However, the former World No. 1 pair have not had the best of seasons’ this year, going through a lean patch.

Coming into the US Open 2023, the experienced pair lost in the opening rounds of Citi Open, Cincinnati Masters and Winston Salem Open. Overall, Ram and Salisbury have clinched only one ATP title this year compared to four last season.

Head-to-head record 

This will be the first time both pairs will meet against each other.

Prediction

The sixth seeded pair, Rohan Bopanna-Matthew Ebden, will go into the final as the favourites against the American-Britain duo. The Indo-Aussie pair have lost a total of only one set overall in the tournament, and are yet to lose a set post the quarterfinals.

Ram and Salisbury cannot be written off completely either, as the pair has made a tremendous comeback after losing several opening round encounters prior to the start of US Open.