This year marks the 20th anniversary of the horrific 9/11 attacks that claimed over 3000 lives. The attack on the World Trade Centres took place just two days after the conclusion of the US Open 2001.&nbsp;

Leander Paes and Mahesh Bhupathi took part in the American Grand Slam but lost the first round of the competition. After the tournament ended, the India duo stayed in New York to prepare for the upcoming Davis Cup.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/911-attacks-and-a-money-trail-how-terrorists-planned-the-devastating-attacks-412286" hreflang="en">9/11 attacks and a money trail: How terrorists planned the devastating attacks</a>

Paes has now revealed that he was present in the World Trade Centre Tower 1 a day before the attacks took place. In an interview with the Indian Express, the Tennis star said that he left the city and by the time he reached Frankfurt the attack had taken place.&nbsp;

According to Paes, he was unaware of the attacks before the German security entered the flight and where scanning before the team allowed passengers, including Paes to deboard. He asked a high-ranking security official behind the strict checking.&nbsp;

"The head of security basically took me to his office, sat me down and turned on the television," he says.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/third-tower-was-also-brought-down-on-911-the-conspiracy-theories-and-importance-of-tower-seven-412317" hreflang="en">'Third tower was also brought down on 9/11': The conspiracy theories and importance of Tower Seven</a>

"That’s where I saw the twin towers go down."

Whereas, his doubles partner Mahesh Bhupathi was just 72 blocks away from the attack site.&nbsp;

Recalling the events, Bhupathi said: "In the beginning we thought it was a plane crash, and then we saw the second plane going into the building."

"There was a lot of fear and we had friends in the WTC vicinity who couldn’t get out. They had to walk all the way to my apartment, it was just a mess," he added.&nbsp;

"Honestly, I don’t think anyone was really thinking of tennis at the time. When this happened, everyone was just thinking about life. Perspective changes," Bhupathi added.

This year marks the 20th anniversary of the horrific 9/11 attacks that claimed over 3000 lives. The attack on the World Trade Centres took place just two days after the conclusion of the US Open 2001.

This year marks the 20th anniversary of the horrific 9/11 attacks that claimed over 3000 lives. The attack on the World Trade Centres took place just two days after the conclusion of the US Open 2001. Leander Paes and Mahesh Bhupathi took part in the American Grand Slam but lost the first round of the competition. After the tournament ended, the India duo stayed in New York to prepare for the upcoming Davis Cup. ALSO READ: 9/11 attacks and a money trail: How terrorists planned the devastating attacks Paes has now revealed that he was present in the World Trade Centre Tower 1 a day before the attacks took place. In an interview with the Indian Express, the Tennis star said that he left the city and by the time he reached Frankfurt the attack had taken place. According to Paes, he was unaware of the attacks before the German security entered the flight and where scanning before the team allowed passengers, including Paes to deboard. He asked a high-ranking security official behind the strict checking. "The head of security basically took me to his office, sat me down and turned on the television," he says. ALSO READ: 'Third tower was also brought down on 9/11': The conspiracy theories and importance of Tower Seven "That’s where I saw the twin towers go down." Whereas, his doubles partner Mahesh Bhupathi was just 72 blocks away from the attack site. Recalling the events, Bhupathi said: "In the beginning we thought it was a plane crash, and then we saw the second plane going into the building." "There was a lot of fear and we had friends in the WTC vicinity who couldn’t get out. They had to walk all the way to my apartment, it was just a mess," he added. "Honestly, I don’t think anyone was really thinking of tennis at the time. When this happened, everyone was just thinking about life. Perspective changes," Bhupathi added.

'I was at World Trade Centre a day before 9/11 attacks', says Leander Paes

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Leander Paes gave India hope with a determined run into the semifinals at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics. At a time when Indian players struggled to win Grand Slam matches, Paes defied the odds by storming into the semis. Paes'charge was eventually ended by top seed Andre Agassi but not before the Tennis great was made to work hard for the win. Paes speaks to Sports Editor Digvijay Singh Deo on the emotions of that match and how an injury almost derailed his medal hopes.

WION Broadband Olympics Edition: How Paes made Agassi work hard for the win

Leander Paes, one of the most decorated sportspersons not only in India but the entire world, in an exclusive interview with WION’s Sports Editor, Digvijay Singh Deo, opened up on his life in lockdown, his trophy-laden career, future of sports post-coronavirus pandemic, motivation to play in another Olympics, and more.

WION Sports Broadband Edition with Indian tennis icon Leander Paes

With COVID-19 pandemic leaving the sporting calendar shattered, players and support staff have been restricted to train and work indoors. While many continue to prepare themselves for the resumption of the halted season, others are taking this time to take a look at their respective careers while spending quality time with their family.

Exclusive: 'My goal has been to put India on the world map' - Leander Paes reflects on his trophy-laden career, life during and after COVID-19 pandemic and more