Gold medal favourite Indian pair of Rohan Bopanna and Yuki Bhambri knocked out of Asian Games 2023 over loss against Uzbekistan

India’s top tennis stars, Rohan Bopanna and Yuki Bhambri, who were favourites to win the gold medal in the ongoing Asian Games 2023, suffered heartbreaking defeats against Uzbekistan in men’s doubles on September 25 in Hangzhou, China. Notably, they lost 2-6, 6-3, and 10-6 against Uzbekistan. The recent loss is very disappointing, as Bopanna and Bhambri are under 10 and 100 ranks, respectively, whereas Uzbekistan is currently under 300 and does not have great numbers in men’s doubles as compared to Indian athletes.

Following the great loss, Rohan Bopanna coach Zeeshan Ali says that at these crucial moments, players should not make errors. In addition, the coach admitted that the opponents were better than them and played their best match ever in their journey so far against the toughest opponent. He further says that the second set cost them the match, as he recognises that they had an opportunity in the second set, which could have made a difference in the play.

“At this level and being an experienced player, one cannot afford to make many errors at crucial moments of the match. You have to be able to grab any opportunity that presents itself. Not taking anything away from the Uzbekistan players, they probably played the best match of their lives, with nothing to lose. We had chances in the second set with a couple of break points at 3-all and, had we won that game, the outcome of the match would have been different,” Zeeshan Ali said to PTI.

Rohan Bopanna played a good match but did not get the required support: Zeeshan Ali

Moreover, he feels Rohan Bopanna was too good in the match, but he didn’t get the support from his partner, Yuki Bhambri, which cost them this crucial match as well as knocking them out of the event. Notably, it’s noteworthy that India was able to save the four points, but later the Uzbekistan duo held their nerves to win over India’s pair in the Asian Games 2023.

“Rohan played a good match but unfortunately did not get the required support needed to win today from his partner who otherwise has been having a very good doubles season,” he added further.