‘Paes’s return to circuit a boost’

NEW DELHI : Tennis ace Leander Paes had left coach Zeeshan Ali a tad worried till a week ago. While Paes’s return to the Asian Games squad came as a welcome news, his absence from the circuit since March, raised concerns over his match fitness. However, the seasoned campaigner has made a timely return to the circuit in the lead up to the Asian Games.

He played last week at the Hall of Fame, Newport which was his first tournament since the Davis Cup tie against China. “Yes, I was bit worried about Leander not playing but he is now going to play every week leading up to the Asian Games. It will help him become match-sharp and ready for the Games. I have spoken to him and he is keen to do well,” said Zeeshan.

After Newport, Paes played in ATP Atlanta Open where he partnered American James Cerretani and lost the opener 5-7, 1-6 to American Mike Bryan and Frances Tiafoe. However, it is still not clear whom will he partner in the Games with selectors picking three singles and three doubles specialists. Rohan Bopanna (World No 27) and Divij Sharan (38) are the two top-ranked Indians in ATP doubles charts and their combination will help the team get a good draw.

Paes, on the other hand, has slumped to 80 in the rankings. He will have to possibly play alongside a singles player. For now, the 45-year-old has been clubbed with Sumit Nagal. But it is likely that he could turn out with Ramkumar Ramanathan, who has been in good touch in singles and shares a good bond with Paes. The doubles players have given their preferences to AITA which left the selection to coach.

Zeeshan, however, says he will take a call after reaching the venue. “The pairs will be decided only after we reach there. The competition is going to be very tough in both singles and doubles with teams like Japan, Indonesia, South Korea etc in fray. Because the dates are clashing with the US Open, there could be pullouts from other countries. We need to wait before deciding.”