Indias Rohan Bopanna and his partner Matthew Ebden staged a thrilling comeback to reach the Australian Open mens doubles final on Thursday. The unseeded Indo-Australian pair defeated the Czech-Chinese duo of Thomas Machac and Zhang Zhishen in a tight three-set semi-final clash.Bopanna-Eden duo make a comebackBopanna and Ebden took the opening set comfortably with a 6-3 scoreline before Machac-Zhishen struck back to claim the second set 3-6. The third set proved to be a tense battle with both pairs taking it to a tie-breaker. But the 43-year-old Bopanna and Ebden displayed nerves of steel to edge their opponents 10-7 in the tie-breaker and complete a 6-3, 3-6, 7-6 (10-7) victory after two hoursBopannas big serves saves the day Bopanna and Ebden did not have it easy in the all-important third set against Machac-Zhishen but managed to prevail in the end, thanks to Bopannas big serves on key points and their experience of playing high-pressure tie-breakers. They will face the winner of the second semi-final clash in Saturdays title match.Bopanna sets record for oldest Grand Slam finalistIn reaching his maiden Australian Open final, Bopanna set the record for the oldest man to make a Grand Slam final in the Open Era. The Indian ace was assured of becoming World No. 1 before the semi-final tie. Bopanna has reached two US Open finals previously (2013, 2023) but is yet to win a Major.Long overdue grand slam title for Bopanna With Bopannas career in its twilight at 43, a Grand Slam title win has remained elusive despite consistent success over the years. His entry into the Australian Open summit clash presents a golden opportunity to finally claim that coveted Major trophy. Bopanna will hope to cap off his return to World No. 1 with Grand Slam glory.Inspiration for Indian TennisEarlier, Bopanna expressed his delight in becoming World No. 1 and hoped it would inspire the next generation and boost Indian tennis. After 20 years of trying, he wants to leverage this achievement to give back to Indian tennis and the country. His unprecedented run proves age is just a number.
