New Delhi: Leander Paes and Purav Raja won their first title together after joining forces as they lifted the Knoxville (in US) Challenger tennis tournament title Sunday with a close 7-6(7-4), 7-6(7-4) win over James Cerretani and John-Patrick Smith. The two Indians teamed up only in August while playing a tournament at Winston Salem (also in the US).
It was fourth Challenger title of the season for Paes, having won events at Leon and Ilkley with Canadian Adil Shamasdin and Tallahassee trophy with American Scott Lipsky. The 43-year-old Indian veteran have also made a number of semifinals at ATP 250 level and has not lost a final this season. It was the 55th career title for Paes in 96 final appearances.
Raja before teaming up with Paes had won Bordeaux Challenger with Divij Sharan and also made the final of the ATP 250 Chennai Open with the Delhi left-hander.
Raja said after the triumph that he has learnt a lot during this short partnership with Paes so far.
“It is fun. I have learnt a lot and trying to work on a system which hopefully will make us better in the coming weeks,” Raja told this agency. “It’s nice to know what he (Paes) is thinking on big points and the approach to it. Also we are trying to form a system with eye formation which has enabled us to hold serve easier this week.”
It was eighth tournament, including US Open, for the duo in three-and-a-half months since uniting as a team. “Yes, we have had some tough weeks and some good weeks,” Paes said. “However, our hard work is finally showing.”
press trust of india
