Bopanna and Balaji Lose to French Firepower in Olympic Opener
In a thrilling first-round match at the Paris Olympics, India's Rohan Bopanna and Sriram Balaji lost
to the French combination of Gaël Monfils and Édouard Roger-Vasselin, 5-7, 2-6.
The Indian duo faced an additional difficulty as the match proceeded in front of an excited Parisian audience.
The first set was a hotly contested encounter, with both teams demonstrating their doubles abilities.
Bopanna's booming serves and Balaji's fast reflexes at the net kept the Indians in contention, as they matched their French opponents stroke for stroke.
However, as the set progressed, the raucous backing from the home fans appeared to energize Monfils and Roger-Vasselin.
With the arena ringing with shouts, the French couple found an additional burst of energy to win the set 7–5.