Bopanna and Ebden Crowned 2024 Miami Open Men’s Doubles Champions

by Daniel Perisse

India’s Rohan Bopanna and Australia’s Matthew Ebden clinched the 2024 Miami Open men’s doubles title after defeating Croatia’s Ivan Dodig and American Austin Krajicek, 6-7(3) 6-3 10-6 in 1 hour and 41 minutes.

This is the pairs second title in 2024, after winning their first grand slam together at the Australian Open in January. They teamed up at the start of last year when they won Doha and Indian Wells. Currently ranked No. 2 and No. 3 respectively, they will pass Krajicek at the No. 1 spot on the doubles list.

“It’s been magical, especially to win here, in the Magic City. It’s been beautiful. I have to thank Matthew, who has been such a great partner for what he does on the court, with the communication, with the way we handle pressure situations,” commented Bopanna.  After a few break point chances that were not converted for both sides, Bopanna and Ebden broke Dodig’s serve in the 11th game to take a 6-5 lead. They got broken in the following game, after losing two set points – Ebden also had a double fault at the deciding point, and the set went to a tie-break.

Krajicek and Dodig played better in the breaker, opening a 3-0 lead. The difference was only one point at a certain moment (4-3), but from now on the Croatian and the American took over to clinch the first set.

Bopanna and Ebden broke Dodig’s serve in the second game and opened a 3-0 lead at the beginning of the second set. That was crucial for them to level the score in only 29 minutes and take it to a deciding match tie-break.

The lead changed a few times during the match tie-break, but after a tie at 6-6, the Indian and the Australian left them no more chances to score points, clinching the win 10-6.

Krajicek was a runner-up here last year, teaming up with Frenchman Nicolas Mahut, and lost another chance to win the title. The Croatian/American pair are 89-39 now (13-5 in 2024). They are currently the World No. 5 team in the doubles ranking and own eight career titles, including five during the 2023 season.

At 44 years old, Bopanna is now 26-37 in tour-level doubles finals, winning his 6th ATP Masters 1000 title (6-8). Ebden is 36 years old and 11-12 in tour-level doubles finals. Besides the two titles with Bopanna, another important trophy he won was in 2022 at Wimbledon with Australian Max Purcell.

“I think that is what everyone plays for, they want to be at the highest level and want to play at the top. When you win a tournament and you reach the top of the rankings, you’re the best in the world. It’s a beautiful moment and you know, those 20-30 years of hard work you have put into is the reason why I am enjoying it right now and I’m really happy. Without hard work. I don’t think anything for anyone in any field is possible.” added Bopanna.

Bopanna is the first Miami Open Indian champion since Leander Paes in 2012 (with Czech Radek Stepanek), while Ebden is the first Australian champion since Mark Woodforde and Todd Woodbridge in 2000.

For more information about the other draws, check the Miami Open website.