Professional tennis player from Australia, Matt Ebden, has fulfilled a long-standing goal by attaining the top spot in the doubles rankings for the first time. He has replaced his 43-year-old teammate, Rohan Bopanna.
The top-ranked pair will switch positions when the rankings are updated on Monday, even though the champions of the Australian Open have not played since their victory at Melbourne Park last month.
The 36-year-old athlete from Western Australia expressed his joy at achieving the highest level in his sport. He was also grateful to have celebrated this moment with his loved ones in Perth on Tuesday morning.
He stated, “Throughout your entire career, you have had a dreamy life goal.” “Being able to accomplish that goal with a few major victories in the past few years has been an amazing blessing and miracle.”
Ebden’s ascent to the top is a result of last year’s results being removed from the ATP rankings window. This guarantee is due to the lead he and Bopanna have over their competitors.
The pair have had equal rankings points since the Australian Open, but the Indian player maintained the top spot due to a tiebreaker rule that considers the number of tournaments played during the ranking period.
Reaching the pinnacle of men’s tennis is a reward for Ebden’s decision three years ago to focus on the doubles circuit. He reached a career-high singles ranking of 39 in 2018.
“My main objectives were to win the Grand Slams and reach the top ranking,” he stated. “I was determined to give it my all and pursue this goal, even at this point in my career and personal life. I only wanted to continue playing if it meant achieving something significant and remarkable.”
“The sacrifice of time and travel, and even with the family and the kids, my young son, travelling – it’s not easy, it’s a lot. But this definitely makes all that that sacrifice worth it.”
The Australian tennis player, who also achieved victory at Wimbledon in 2022 alongside fellow countryman Max Purcell, is well-liked among the tour community. They were chosen to serve on the ATP Player Advisory Council in the current year.
Ebden acknowledged the legacy of Australia’s great doubles champions, such as Todd Woodbridge, Mark Woodford, Peter McNamara, and Tony Roche, who have served as coaches and mentors. Being among their ranks is a great honor and a somewhat surreal experience, according to Ebden.
Bopanna has received a warm welcome in India following his victory at the Australian Open men’s doubles tournament. He was personally commended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi two weeks ago.
Ebden, originally from South Africa but now residing in Perth since his youth, expressed admiration for the accomplishments of the duo. He remarked, “It’s truly remarkable to reach this milestone with a 43-year-old, the oldest person ever.”
Ebden’s wife Kim posted a screenshot of the live rankings on Instagram on Tuesday. “So proud of Matt Ebden and of us as a family and team,” she said. “All the years of hard work and sacrifice to get here made this dream come true.”
Ebden expressed his pride not only in himself, but also in his family and team. He acknowledged the importance of teamwork and community in achieving success.
Source: theguardian.com
