“Playing with Ethan Quinn Was Fun”: Bopanna Reflects on Cincinnati and Looks Ahead to US Open

TD Member Sarika Sunki catches up with Rohan Bopanna after his round match at the ATP 1000 Cincinnati Masters

Veteran Indian doubles star Rohan Bopanna sat down for a quick chat with ITD Member Sarika Sunki after his match at the ATP Masters 1000 in Cincinnati. Bopanna, who paired up with young American Ethan Quinn, spoke about his experience at the tournament, his partnership dynamics, and his plans for the upcoming US Open.

Sarika Sunki: Any thoughts on the match?

Bopanna: Actually, first of all, I should thank the tournament to give me a wild card to play here. Coming here to this beautiful venue. I’ve been coming here for 16, 17 years. This has been an incredible change, and I think for the better, of course. The way I think for the Master Series, it should be. It’s phenomenal. I think he did a fantastic job for the tournament. Playing with Ethan Quinn It was fun. I didn’t know too much about him. When Arthur Philps pulled out and I was looking for a partner, I was trying. Ideally, the first choice when I spoke with the tournament director also was to find some American singles players. I spoke to a few players and Ethan’s name came out and I said, Yeah, let’s give it a shot. I’m a young guy been doing well this year and he’s played some college tennis. I think that was a little bit when you go into the super time break, It does make a difference because when you have played with somebody, you don’t really know what are your strengths or what plays were. But definitely had fun. Enjoyed playing with him. I think he’s a player who has got some great potential and can really do well.

Sarika Sunki: You made your debut here at Cincinnati Masters in 2008 in singles. How do you think the playing conditions and the venue has changed over time?

Bopanna: I think a lot more Indians have come out here now supporting the tournament, watching the tournament Which has been great. It’s been fabulous years of coming back to this venue. I had some close friends from Kurg, actually, who used to live here in Mason, who I used to always come and stay with. Unfortunately, they have moved out from here. But then I made so many great friends here in Mason. So it feels very much away from home, but still get to go to their houses and have some home food. And yeah, so Mason has been a fun city and I enjoy coming back here.

Sarika Sunki: That’s nice. Did you get to try the strawberries and cream this year?

Bopanna: I always try it. I always try it. And more so, my favorite is actually the greatest ice cream.

Sarika Sunki: Oh, nice. Do you have a flavor?

Bopanna: Favorite flavor? Yeah, the banana chocolate chip. Okay, nice.

Sarika Sunki: And looking ahead to the US Open, do you have a doubles partner in mind?

Bopanna: Yeah, I’m playing with Romaine Arneado. I’m playing with Vincent Salem and US Open with him. And I’ve only watched him play a few times. Of course, played against him Sheridan, and he lost to Arneado, Ghennard in Monte Carlo in the quarters. They ended up winning the title there in Monte Carlo. He’s been around, he’s been playing some great tennis, and obviously, he’s at his highest ranking right now. And looking forward to playing with him. And he’s got a very solid game. And yeah, he also got in here as an alternate. So I’ll be here practicing with him, watching him play, and looking forward to the next two weeks.

Sarika Sunki: Well, we’ll be here seeing you, watching you on practice course. Nice talking to you. Thank you so much. Good luck for US Open. Thank you a lot. Bye.