'Getting through initial round is key,' Somdev Devvarman optimistic about Rohan Bopanna-Matt Ebden's chances at French Open 2024

The duo won the Australian Open in January together.

The men’s doubles draw at the French Open 2024 features Australian Open champions Rohan Bopanna and Matt Ebden gunning for their first title at Roland-Garros. The experienced duo have found success on hard courts, but are yet to capture a major title on clay.

At 43-years-old, Bopanna became the oldest player to win a Grand Slam men’s doubles title when he and Ebden won the Australian Open in January. They followed up that major triumph with a Masters 1000 title in Miami. However, their results leading up to the French Open on clay courts have been inconsistent.

Somdev Devvarman, a former Indian player now working as a panelist for the French Open broadcaster, weighed in on Bopanna and Ebden’s chances in Paris. “Historically, they have not done well on this surface, though Bopanna did make the semi-finals in Monte-Carlo,” said Devvarman.

Despite their recent clay struggles, Devvarman believes the veterans’ vast experience could still propel them to success. “Both know how to win titles, they just haven’t figured out clay courts yet,” he stated. “Getting through the early rounds is crucial for them. If they reach the quarter-finals, they’ll be more comfortable.”

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While doubting the Australian Open champions would be unwise, Devvarman acknowledges the uncertainty around their French Open prospects. “You don’t know – they were World No. 1, won the Australian Open and Masters events. If they can build momentum by winning tough matches, they’ll be incredibly tough to beat.”

With the year’s second major set to get underway at Roland-Garros, the seasoned Bopanna and Ebden aim to defy Clay court strugles and etch their names in French Open history. Gaining momentum could setup an intriguing climax to their prolific partnership.

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