Rohan Bopanna-Matt Ebden overcome Aussie challenge to enter second round of Australian Open 2024

Indo-Australian duo will face John Milman-Edward Winter in the next round

Rohan Bopanna and Matt Ebden, the second seeds in the men’s doubles event, staged a remarkable comeback to defeat the Australian wildcards James Duckworth and Marc Polmans in a thrilling three-setter in the first round of the Australian Open 2024 on Thursday.

The Indian-Australian pair, who had a stellar 2023 season with titles at Indian Wells and Doha, as well as runner-up finishes at four Masters 1000 events and the US Open, were tested by the local favourites in a match that went to four sets. Rohan Bopanna and Ebden finally sailed through 7-6, 4-6, 7-6.

Rohan Bopanna-Matt Ebden sails into Round 2 of Australian Open 2024!! 🎾The 🇮🇳-🇦🇺 pair beats Duckworth/Polmans 7-6(5), 4-6, 6-7(2).#AO24 #AusOpen #AustralianOpen pic.twitter.com/5pLCdlNyUD

— Khel Now (@KhelNow) January 18, 2024

Bopanna and Ebden found themselves in a precarious situation in the first set, as they trailed 0-5 against the inspired Aussies. However, they showed great resilience and fought back to level the score at 6-6, forcing a tie-break. The experienced duo then edged past Duckworth and Polmans 7-5 in the tie-break to take the first set.

The second set was a close affair, with both teams holding their serves until 4-4. The Australians then broke Ebden’s serve in the ninth game and held their own in the next to level the match at one set apiece.

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The deciding set was also a nail-biter, as neither pair could break the other’s serve. The match went into a super tie-break, where Bopanna and Ebden dominated with their powerful volleys and serves. They raced to a 10-2 victory in the super tie-break, sealing their spot in the second round.

Bopanna and Ebden will face another Australian pair, John Millman and Edward Winter, in the next round on Friday. The Indian-Australian duo will be confident of extending their winning run, as they aim to win their first Grand Slam title together.

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