Bopanna refuses to play with Paes in Rio build-up

Leander Paes looks lean and fit as ever. It’s the Olympic year and Leander Paes declares that nothing tastes sweeter than winning a medal for the country. But his smile turns into a momentary frown when reminded of the controversies ahead of London Olympics in 2012 that led to a poor show by India in tennis. “I hope that we do not have a repeat of 2012 when Indian tennis was left in shambles,” says the legend, who will take part in his seventh Olympics in Rio.

Four years ago, Leander had threatened to pull out of Olympics when he was asked to partner Vishnu Vardhan after Mahesh Bhupathi and Rohan Bopanna decided to form the doubles team together. In order to pacify Paes, the All India Tennis Association (AITA) named Sania Mirza as Paes’ mixed doubles partner, a decision that didn’t go down too well with her.

This time around, with Mahesh Bhupathi all but retired, Paes and Bopanna are likely to play doubles together at Olympics.”I had asked Rohan if he would like to play with me this year in the lead up to Rio, but he has turned me down saying he is very comfortable with Florin Mergea and would like to continue that,” Paes said on the sidelines of a promotional event in the city, adding that it’s important to “play a few tournaments together”.

Paes, who won three Grand Slam mixed doubles titles with Martina Hingis last season, hopes that he will get a chance to partner Sania in the Olympics. “I certainly hope I am India’s front runner in mixed doubles. I want to compete with Sania at the Olympics. It will be India’s best chance of winning a medal. Rohan has never made it to a mixed doubles final and Sania hasn’t been in one in 2015. On the other hand, I have won three Grand Slams, playing both on the deuce and ad courts. So my record proves it for me,” the legend said.

At 42, his fitness levels are still amazing and Paes continues to be a force on the circuit. “Age is just a number. The tennis ball doesn’t know the age of the person who is hitting it. I have always been asked if I would retire if I win a medal at Rio, but stepping down mid-season isn’t my style. ” When asked about his frequent change of partners, Paes said: “I know I am called the century man because I have played with over 100 partners now. If you play a sport for 30 years with players over eight generations, 100 partners don’t seem much,” Paes said.