Wimbledon semi-finals: Rohan Bopanna-Florin Mergea lose marathon five-setter

In a thrilling five-setter that went on for three hours and 23 minutes, Rohan Bopanna's bid to enter his maiden Wimbledon doubles final came to an end. Bopanna, along with his partner Florin Mergea, lost a marathon match against the fourth seeded pair of Jean-Julien Rojer and Horia Tecau 4-6 6-2 6-3 4-6 13-11. For Bopanna, this loss will haunt him as much as the 2013 Wimbledon semi-finial. Ironically, his then partner was Julien-Rojer. They lost an exhilarating five-setter against the Bryan brothers.

During the final set, both pairs held their respective services for 23 games. It was in the 24th game that the serve was broken and then it was pretty much 'game over' for Bopanna and Mergea. Bopanna and Mergea won the first set but then lost focus and let slip the next two sets. Coming back strong in the fourth to level it at two a piece, the match was up for grabs. It all came down to the crucial fifth set.

Both pairs were sharp and focused with most of the service games being won to love. In the 24th service game though, the match turned and it was quickly over after that. This ends Bopanna's challenge at Wimbledon.

Rohan Bopanna

For Rohan Bopanna, it is a case of being near, but yet so far. He's been at this stage before, and it must certainly be frustrating. However, Bopanna can look forward to next month's US Open, taking place at Flushing Meadows in New York City for a chance to finally win a Grand Slam. Bopanna, India's best hope after Paes and Bhupathi, plays with a lot of passion but luck is never on his side.

Indians at Wimbledon

With Bopanna out, Indian hopes now lie on Sania Mirza who takes to court on 10 July with her Swiss partner Martina Hingis in the Women's Doubles semi-finals match. Leander Paes partnering Martina Hingis take on the number one seeds of Mike Bryan and Bethanie Mattek-Sands. India anticipated two titles to come out of Wimbledon.