Monte Carlo Masters 2024 Highlights: Rohan Bopanna-Matt Ebden suffer shock opening round exit

Hello and welcome to Khel Now’s live blog for the Rohan Bopanna/Matt Ebden vs Mate Pavic/Marcelo Arevalo match at Monte Carlo Masters 2024. Please wait for the blog to load.

The World No. 1 ranked pair of Rohan Bopanna and Mathew Ebden begins their Monte Carlo Masters 2024 campaign against the former World No. 1 pair of Mate Pavic and Marcelo Arevalo. The Indian-Australian team has made 2024 their year, dominating most of their opponents.

Staying true to the saying that aging wine tastes better, the pair seems to be improving with age. Especially Rohan Bopanna, who is the oldest No. 1 ranked doubles player in history, is playing some of his best tennis, leaving others in awe of the 44-year-old. His camaraderie with doubles partner Mathew Ebden has been one of this season’s highlights.

They will take on the young team of Mate Pavic and Marcelo Arevalo in the second round. The Croatian-El Salvadorian duo had a steady start in the first round with a straight-sets win, 6-4, 6-4, over Grigor Dimitrov and Sebastian Korda. The duo will face their biggest challenge in this ATP 1000 event as they attempt to overcome the No. 1 seeded team.

Rohan Bopanna/Mathew Ebden vs Mate Pavic/Marcelo Arevalo preview

Rohan Bopanna began the season with a bang, becoming the oldest player to win a Grand Slam in the Open Era when he partnered with Mathew Ebden to lift the Australian Open trophy. It is his first Grand Slam title in doubles, having won the French Open Mixed Doubles title in 2017. For someone who was contemplating retirement, this has come as a new lease on life.

Their opponents in the Round of 16 are gearing up to face the title favourites. The Pavic/Arevalo partnership has had a rough 2024. Despite starting the year with an ATP 250 title in Hong Kong, they haven’t advanced past the third round in any event. A win here would greatly boost their confidence as the clay season begins with the Monte Carlo Masters.

Head-to-head records

Matches – 0

Rohan Bopanna/Mathew Ebden – 0

Mate Pavic/Marcelo Arevalo – 0

This will be the first contest between these two pairs and this game promises to be a wonderful contest.

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Prediction

The World No. 1 and top-seeded pair, Bopanna/Ebden, will enter the contest as favourites. The Indian seems to be enjoying the game more than ever, with fans noting grey only in his facial hair, while his game plan remains crystal clear. It is his partnership with Ebden that has transformed Bopanna’s mindset from contemplating retirement to dominating tennis across Grand Slams and ATP events.

Having won the Australian Open earlier this year, the duo is eager to add more Grand Slam titles. They have particularly dominated the net points and aim to continue this trend. On the other hand, Pavic & Arevalo, coming off a win in the first round against a pair of singles players, must be at the top of their game to beat the favourites.

Notably, Mate Pavic, a three-time Grand Slam Champion, is well-versed in winning big matches and could cause an upset against the Indo-Australian pair. However, given Bopanna and Ebden’s form, they may advance at the end of the match.

Result: Rohan Bopanna/Mathew Ebden to win in straight sets

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