Rohan Bopanna and I can win a Rio medal, says Leander Paes
His bronze at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics still stands India’s only one in tennis, and two decades later, Leander Paes, fresh from his French Open mixed doubles title win, is looking forward to representing the country for a historic seventh appearance at Rio.
However, the 43- year- old’s participation is still in doubt as he has to bank on compatriot Rohan Bopanna to announce his choice of partner after the former officially entered the top- 10 of the men’s doubles rankings assuring him direct entry into the Olympics.
In the capital to celebrate his 18th Grand Slam and completion of a Career Slam in both doubles and mixed doubles, Paes said he definitely didn’t want a repeat of London Olympics.
Paes was denied his choice of partner for the 2012 Games and was forced to play with rookie Vishnu Vardhan since Bopanna preferred to partner Mahesh Bhupathi in the men’s doubles.
India returned without any medal that year.
The Aita selection committee will meet to decide on the issue this Saturday.
“I have full confidence in the Aita and the selection committee and I am sure they will do the right thing. They will speak to the right individuals and make sure India sends its best choice ( team) for a medal. I have said this for many, many years throughout my career that I wish not to delve into selections as an athlete,” said Paes on his Olympics chances.
“The French Open was an essential win for me at this time, as it gave me hope that I am at my best.
“Rohan and I had a conversation couple of times of playing some tournaments together. It all also depends on our rankings whether we can get into tournaments or not. And if that opportunity arises, I think that will be a wonderful thing.
“The fact that we are playing at the very highest level, both reaching the quarter- finals of the French Open, basically we both are at the peak of our careers. My career speaks for itself and Rohan has also been doing well in last 18 months. And without a shadow of a doubt, I can say that Rohan and I are the best team to bag a medal at Rio,” he said.
Paes and Martina Hingis clinched the French Open title last Sunday, thus adding the missing feather to his glittering cabinet and complete a Career Grand Slam.
“It’s such a humbling feeling to be one of the only three men in the history of the game of tennis to have achieve this feat. And the greatest joy that I had is to write the history books for our country. So, this feat is not just for me, but for everyone present in this room,” he told the mediapersons.
“I dedicate this feat to one human being — my father, Dr Vece Paes. Without his support I wouldn’t have been able to achieve even one Grand Slam without his nurturing, caring, love, strictness and especially the knowledge. He is the backbone of Leander as an athlete,” Paes said of his father, adding that he is now one shy of overcoming his “favourite” and legendary Martina Navratilova mixed doubles titles record of 10. ‘ ALI ONE OF MY GREATEST IDOLS’ Paes said he grew up with a few idols and “Muhammad Ali has been one of them”.
“When I was 5, I used to dress up like Ali and had a few of his catch phrases that suited me. He was one of the greatest human beings. He did not believe in a world where people killed each other. He stood for humanity, which makes him so special.
“After I had bagged the bronze at the Atlanta, Ali told me that it is your job to inspire every young child in your country, it’s your job to motivate them. He was right. It’s my job to motivate that they can also be champions,” he added.
Paes concluded by saying that even if he missed out on the Olympics, his journey would continue. “I love creating history and I will keep working hard for that, to play for my country.”