Kolkata: He might have been axed from India’s Davis Cup squad, but tennis great Leander Paes is no mood to quit the game as yet.
Paes, who made his Davis Cup debut at the age of 16 in 1990 and holds the record for the most Davis Cup doubles wins with 42 victories (equal to Nicola Pietrangeli), was dropped by new non-playing captain Mahesh Bhupathi for the tie against Uzbekistan earlier this year.
But the 44-year-old veteran has not lost hope and by his own admission, he is still playing the game for the love of it.
“I don’t have to prove anything to anyone, my career speaks for itself. At this stage I play because I love my tennis. I’m very passionate about being an athlete and the lifestyle it incorporates,” Paes said here Thursday.
“I’ve done my best when I’ve played for my flag. It gives me great joy and pride to play for my country, city and people. Even when I played individually, like in the Wimbledon I’ve played for the Tricolour,” added the legend.
Paes, who has won eight doubles and 10 mixed doubles Grand Slam titles, has high hopes with his current men’s doubles partner Purav Raja and said it is special for him to play alongside a countrymate at this stage of his career.
The 44-year-old veteran tennis star is presently languishing at the 62nd spot in doubles in the world rankings, which is something he is eager to improve.
“We (Purav and I) have played two tournaments together and now we have to work very hard. There are many things we have to work on. Give me five weeks time and I will tell you how good is Purav. I’m doing my homework now,” Paes informed.
“I’ve three months left to lift my ranking and for me to play with an Indian boy is very special especially at this stage of my career. By November end I will finish my season and then I will see about next year. I really want to get my ranking back on top,” he added.
Talking about his future plans, Paes said that he will announce a new mixed doubles partner next year in his bid to claim a 19th Grand Slam title. “Don’t be surprised if you see me on some of the Grand Slam podiums,” he said with a cheeky smile.
press trust of india
