Indian doubles star Rohan Bopanna has decided to officially start his own tennis academy. The current ATP World Tour doubles star is following in the foot steps of many other tennis greats such as Rafael Nadal and Janko Tipsarevic to start their own tennis academies.
Academy to Open in March
Bopanna will be launching his academy starting next month. As a proud representation of his homeland, the doubles player will have his academy located in his birthplace of Bengaluru, India. It will be meant for juniors who are between the ages of four and 14. He will be aided in this endeavor with many people from his support system. South African pro Piet Norval and fitness trainer Yash Padney will be a part of this important project.
The 35-year-old took to twitter to announce the news.
He has been met with much praise as many people appreciate what Bopanna is doing. It is only right that the doubles star gives back to the game in such a great way, a game that has given him so much. Bopanna is currently continuing a great pro career on the doubles circuit. He is ranked number eight in the world and has won 14 ATP doubles trophies. Bopanna turned pro in 2003 and reached a career high of number three in the world in 2013. He also has won an impressive 264 matches on tour.
Impact For India
The tennis academy will be a vital part of bringing tennis to India. Bopanna has helped his country out in many ways and has been involved with charity work. Young players will be able to develop their games and get inspired by Bopanna and his team. He believes Piet will be great for the academy as he has done great things for tennis in South Africa. Initially, Piet will visit the academy once a month.
The courts at the academy will solely be clay courts for now. Bopanna will be shaping the academy's training plans after his own and his mentality to the sport of tennis. Fitness will be the most important part of the academy as Bopanna believes it is what it is needed to be great in the sport. He also believes it will help kids in all areas of their lives to remain healthy and have it translate to any other sports they choose to play. It is an exciting announcement for a country that has seen the popularity of tennis grow so much over the years.