PTI
New Delhi, Sept 13: They say learning is a continuous process and Indian tennis legend Leander Paes follows it to the hilt. And even after winning career slams in both the men’s and mixed doubles, Paes, stated here Tuesday that he still had a lot to learn about the game by watching how World No. 4 Rafa Nadal trains and practices. Nadal is a part of the Spanish Davis squad that will face-off against India in the World Group play-off match beginning at the DLTA courts here Thursday.
The 43-year-old Paes also asserted that the line-up Spain have presented against India makes it a must watch match for not only budding tennis players, but for all aspiring athletes.
“It’s a great showcase of tennis in India. If I were a 9, 10, 15-year old budding athlete, I would be at the stadium every single day. To come and watch a 14-time Grand Slam champion is unbelievable. For me even now, at this stage of my career, where I have played 30 years, you can come out and watch what Rafa does and learn so much,” Paes said here Tuesday.
“You can learn about the footwork, about the power, the generation of shots, the follow through, the swing, the rituals after the practice,” added Paes.
Paes, who is just one win shy of becoming the most successful doubles players in the history of Davis Cup, said India’s singles players – Saketh Myneni and Ramkumar Ramanathan – have a great opportunity to test themselves against the best in the world.
“Both have nothing to lose. They have got us here (World Group play-off stage) and we are proud of that. Now it is for them to see how much their game can compete with the top players of the world,” pointed out Paes. “It is the time to find out how much one can improve.”
Paes also stated that since his job is to ‘nurture’ youngsters now, he is ready to play the doubles rubber with anyone. It could be Saketh or rookie Sumit Nagal. “I’ve now played with nine generation of players, doesn’t really matter whom I am paired with. I hope they learn from the little that I know,” said the Indian ace.
Even though non-playing captain Anand Amritraj had said that the AITA had handed over ‘home’ advantage to the Spaniards by deciding to host the matches in the evening, Paes pointed out that the tennis body had made a ‘smart’ choice.
“It’s a very smart (decision) to play in the evening. You always have to look after your own strengths. During the Korea tie, three of the four singles players were lying on the ground… exhausted by the heat and humidity,” informed Paes. “And it’s just a myth that you can put players of the calibre of Rafa and (David) Ferrer in a problem by asking them to play in hot and humid conditions. They are world beaters, they can adjust to any condition,” asserted Paes.