PNN & Agencies
New Delhi/Bhubaneswar, June 10: As expected Rohan Bopanna decided to take out his personal enmity with Leander Paes (46th in doubles) by telling the AITA that he would like Saketh Myneni (ranked 125 in doubles) as his doubles partner at the Rio Games. The 36-year-old Bopanna’s intentions are clear – he would like to prevent Paes from appearing in his seventh successive Olympic Games.
For once however, as sources disclosed Friday, the All India Tennis Association (AITA) has decided not to bow down to the Bopanna’s request. The association has told the World No. 10 in doubles that he would have to play with Paes in men’s doubles. The AITA selection committee will meet here Saturday to select the players for the Rio Games.
Bopanna, who earned India a direct entry in the men’s doubles event courtesy his top 10 rank, issued a statement Thursday that he has told AITA about his choice earlier in the day.
“I look forward to representing India at my second Olympics and consider it a privilege, responsibility and honour. A direct acceptance provides me the right to nominate my men’s doubles partner, an opportunity for me to exercise my judgement as to the best possible partner for me,” Bopanna said in statement.
He did not mention the name of the player but AITA sources informed that Bopanna had named 28-year-old Myneni as his choice. “Yes, he wants to play with Myneni and not Paes,” an AITA source said.
Paes, a winner of 18 Grand Slam titles, is eyeing a record seventh Olympics, but Bopanna’s choice reflects that he does not bother about the personal milestone of India’s most accomplished tennis player.
Bopanna is justified in picking a partner of his choice since rules permit him to do so but at the same time it holds true that even if Bopanna had ended 11 in the world rankings then he would have been eligible to play with Paes only at Rio.
“It’s not a wise move. People are not going to forget if Paes happens to miss this Olympics because of Rohan… he will face lots of criticism along with us,” said a senior AITA official. “Our No. 1 and No. 2 player will represent the country in doubles,” he added.
ITF rules clearly state that a doubles team have to be nominated by the national association. Unless AITA approves Myneni and Bopanna as a team, they cannot play at Rio. But do not be surprised if Bopanna opts out of men’s doubles if his demands are not met. Just to scuttle Paes’ chances of playing at Rio.
Meanwhile Sania Mirza has also informed the AITA of her preferred mixed doubles partner. She has nominated Bopanna and the AITA is ready to accept her suggestion.