Mumbai: Veteran Leander Paes has said that if he is still able to withstand the rigours of the physically demanding ATP tour, the credit goes to legendary Martina Navratilova, who transformed him into a fitness freak.
Martina Navratilova, winner of an incredible 59 Grand Slam titles including 18 singles, teamed up with Leander Paes in the latter part of her astonishing career.
The two of her 10 mixed doubles Grand Slam trophies – Wimbledon and Australian Open in 2003 – came with Paes. She was the oldest player on the WTA and was active when she was nearing 50.
“Navratilova taught me on how physical fitness was a pre-requisite and its importance. That is the reason I had such a long career,” said Paes, who is 46.
“She epitomises perseverance and the re-invention that an athlete can go through. Navratilova took fitness and gym work to a new level. To have played with Navratilova over three years and to being that close to her over time has helped me in my career, that at 46 I keep re-inventing myself, my training methods, my diets and my fitness,” added the Indian tennis legend.
Leander Paes also had a successful pairing with Swiss great Martina Hingis and he had words of praise for her also. “Hingis taught me a lot about technique. Because I don’t consider myself a very talented tennis player, I am more of an athlete. I felt that playing with Hingis – her ground strokes, technique, volley or just technique itself was phenomenal. Playing with her I used to practice hours and hours and the matches were just extension of practice sessions,” Paes informed.
Paes was also all praise for the iconic Roger Federer and said it is amazing to see how the Swiss has re-invented himself to keep winning Grand Slams.
“This year Australian Open is going to be unique. Roger Federer just announced that he will play the Olympics in 2020. I think for tennis fans around the world it is fantastic because there is always a question whether he is going to continue or not (playing),” Paes said on the sidelines of a promotional event associated with the Australian Open.
Paes said that he has not decided on his goals for 2020. “I would find out in the next couple of days as to what my goals in 2020 are. For me I play for trophies (and) they are memories. Medals and trophies are memories that never go. For me to rewrite the history books is what I have lived for. I had a very blessed career, so if I have another year in it… I get to another Olympics (it would be) wonderful, if I don’t still (it would be) wonderful,” asserted the doubles great.
PTI
