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

Indian tennis icon Leander Paes was set to retire at the end of 2020 but the coronavirus pandemic has halted his farewell season. Paes ended India’s 44 year wait for an individual Olympic medal at the 1996 atlanta olympics and achieved the world no. 1 ranking in men's doubles with Mahesh bhupathi. WION asked paes to look back on his career and make some tough choices

Rapid fire with Leander Pace: 18-Time grand slam winner on the hot seat

In an Exclusive interaction with Wion News Channel ,Tennis Player Leander Paes talks about how he is dealing with this lockdown. He says, he h tas to reinvent himself at the age of 47

How Leander Paes is dealing with this Lockdown, watch this exclusive interview on WION

India's tennis ace Sania Mirza has decided to pull out of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../racquet-kicking-osaka-admits-she-was-a-bit- childish-275957">Australian Open</a>'s mixed doubles draw due to calf injury. Her mixed doubles partner Rohan Bopanna will now pair up with Sania's double's team partner Nadiia Kichenok.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/what-a-journey-its-been-sania-mirza-after-winning-hobart-international-tournament-275116">What a journey it's been: Sania Mirza after winning Hobart International Tournament</a>

The Former World No 1 doubles player made a comeback after two years gap by winning the Hobart International. Her calf injury was visible in the later stages of the tournament.

Bopanna has crashed out in the first round of the men's doubles in the Aussie&nbsp;Open. He and his partner Japan's Yasutaka Uchiyama were beaten by USA's Bryan brothers (Bob and Mike) in a close encounter (1-6, 6-3, 3-6).&nbsp;

Sania has still not confirmed if she would be available for women's doubles match scheduled on Thursday. She has not yet decided to pull out of women's doubles draw.

On the other hand, Indian tennis legend Leander Paes is in his final season as a professional is taking part in the mixed doubles too. He is paired alongside his Latvian Ostapenko. His partner Jelena Ostapenko has won the French Open women's singles in 2017. He will take part in the tournament as a wildcard. The duo is set to face Storm Sanders and Marc Polmans.

India's tennis ace Sania Mirza has decided to pull out of the Australian Open's mixed doubles draw due to calf injury. Her mixed doubles partner Rohan Bopanna will now pair up with Sania's double's team partner Nadiia Kichenok.

India's tennis ace Sania Mirza has decided to pull out of the Australian Open's mixed doubles draw due to calf injury. Her mixed doubles partner Rohan Bopanna will now pair up with Sania's double's team partner Nadiia Kichenok. Also read: What a journey it's been: Sania Mirza after winning Hobart International Tournament The Former World No 1 doubles player made a comeback after two years gap by winning the Hobart International. Her calf injury was visible in the later stages of the tournament. Bopanna has crashed out in the first round of the men's doubles in the Aussie Open. He and his partner Japan's Yasutaka Uchiyama were beaten by USA's Bryan brothers (Bob and Mike) in a close encounter (1-6, 6-3, 3-6). Sania has still not confirmed if she would be available for women's doubles match scheduled on Thursday. She has not yet decided to pull out of women's doubles draw. On the other hand, Indian tennis legend Leander Paes is in his final season as a professional is taking part in the mixed doubles too. He is paired alongside his Latvian Ostapenko. His partner Jelena Ostapenko has won the French Open women's singles in 2017. He will take part in the tournament as a wildcard. The duo is set to face Storm Sanders and Marc Polmans.

Australian Open: Sania Mirza pulls out of mixed doubles citing calf injury

India veteran tennis player Leander Paes on Wednesday announced that the coming year, 2020, will be his last year on the court.

The player took to Instagram to wish fans a Merry Christmas and along with that he also announced 2020 as his farewell.

"This being said, I want to announce 2020 as my farewell year as a pro tennis player. Firstly, I want to thank my parents for their genetics, guidance, discipline, environment they created and unconditional love they have always shown me throughout my life. I would not be who I am without your unstinting support and belief in me. I love you," Paes wrote in a post. 
 
In a long post, he thanked his sisters Jacquie and Maria who stood behind him in his life journey. He also thanked his daughter Aiyana and said she is his inspiration.

"I want to thank my two sisters Jacquie and Maria. They are my Rocks. Being older than me, they have brought me up to understand the ups and downs of life's journey. And have brought me up to understand how to be a gentleman as well as stand firm to our beliefs and morals that our parents have instilled in us. I love you two," the post read.

"I want to thank my daughter Aiyana, for teaching me that the most beautiful thing in the world is to have a daughter. You are my inspiration. Papa loves you," it added. 
 
The 46-year-old said that he will take part in selected tournaments in the coming year and will celebrate with his friends and fans around the world.

"I am looking forward to the 2020 tennis calendar where I will be playing a few select tournaments, travelling with my team and celebrating with all my friends and fans around the world. It is all of you who have inspired me to become me and I want to take this year to say "Thank you" to you," Paes wrote.

Paes has won eight doubles and ten mixed doubles Grand Slam titles. He received the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna award, India's highest sporting honour, in 1996-97; the Arjuna Award in 1990; the Padma Shri award in 2001; and India's third-highest civilian award, the Padma Bhushan prize in January 2014, for his outstanding contribution to tennis.

He won a bronze medal for India in singles in the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games. He competed in consecutive Olympics from 1992 to 2016, making him the first Indian and only tennis player to compete at seven Olympic Games. (ANI)

&nbsp;

India veteran tennis player Leander Paes on Wednesday announced that the coming year, 2020, will be his last year on the court. The player took to Instagram to wish fans a Merry Christmas and along with that he also announced 2020 as his farewell.

India veteran tennis player Leander Paes on Wednesday announced that the coming year, 2020, will be his last year on the court. The player took to Instagram to wish fans a Merry Christmas and along with that he also announced 2020 as his farewell. "This being said, I want to announce 2020 as my farewell year as a pro tennis player. Firstly, I want to thank my parents for their genetics, guidance, discipline, environment they created and unconditional love they have always shown me throughout my life. I would not be who I am without your unstinting support and belief in me. I love you," Paes wrote in a post. In a long post, he thanked his sisters Jacquie and Maria who stood behind him in his life journey. He also thanked his daughter Aiyana and said she is his inspiration. "I want to thank my two sisters Jacquie and Maria. They are my Rocks. Being older than me, they have brought me up to understand the ups and downs of life's journey. And have brought me up to understand how to be a gentleman as well as stand firm to our beliefs and morals that our parents have instilled in us. I love you two," the post read. "I want to thank my daughter Aiyana, for teaching me that the most beautiful thing in the world is to have a daughter. You are my inspiration. Papa loves you," it added. The 46-year-old said that he will take part in selected tournaments in the coming year and will celebrate with his friends and fans around the world. "I am looking forward to the 2020 tennis calendar where I will be playing a few select tournaments, travelling with my team and celebrating with all my friends and fans around the world. It is all of you who have inspired me to become me and I want to take this year to say "Thank you" to you," Paes wrote. Paes has won eight doubles and ten mixed doubles Grand Slam titles. He received the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna award, India's highest sporting honour, in 1996-97; the Arjuna Award in 1990; the Padma Shri award in 2001; and India's third-highest civilian award, the Padma Bhushan prize in January 2014, for his outstanding contribution to tennis. He won a bronze medal for India in singles in the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games. He competed in consecutive Olympics from 1992 to 2016, making him the first Indian and only tennis player to compete at seven Olympic Games. (ANI)

I want to announce 2020 as my farewell year: Leander Paes

Veteran Leander Paes improved his Davis Cup record to 44 doubles wins Saturday as India thrashed Pakistan 4-0 in the Asia/Oceania tie played at a neutral venue due to political tensions between the arch-rivals.

The 46-year-old Paes combined with Jeevan Nedunchezhiyan to serve out Pakistan's teenage pair of Muhammad Shoaib and Huzaifa Abdul Rehman 6-1, 6-3 in the Kazakhstan capital of Nur-Sultan.

Paes, who overtook Italy's Nicola Pietrangeli as Davis Cup's most successful doubles player with his 43rd win last year, won the doubles match to seal India's berth in the qualifiers.

Sumit Nagal then turned out for the reverse single to outplay Yousaf Khalil 6-1, 6-0 in 32 minutes and the fifth match was not played.

India will now travel to Croatia -- two-time Davis Cup champions -- next year for the world group qualifiers to be played on March 6-7.

The 12 winners of the qualifiers will join the six teams -- Spain, Canada, Great Britain, Russia, France and Serbia -- that have already booked their place in the Davis Cup finals.

The International Tennis Federation moved the Asia/Oceania Group 1 tie away from Islamabad because of India's security fears even though Pakistan opposed the decision.

Pakistan's top players Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi and Aqeel Khan pulled out of the tie in protest.

The match was also pushed back from September because of security fears, as the two countries were wrangling over the disputed territory of Kashmir.

The nuclear-armed neighbours split angrily in 1947 after independence from Britain and have fought three wars since. Sport has also suffered badly.

India cut bilateral cricket ties with Pakistan after attacks in Mumbai in 2008 that authorities blamed on Pakistani militants.

India last played a Davis Cup tie in Pakistan in 1964, when they beat the hosts 4-0. Pakistan lost 3-2 when they played in Mumbai in 2006.

Veteran Leander Paes improved his Davis Cup record to 44 doubles wins Saturday as India thrashed Pakistan 4-0 in the Asia/Oceania tie played at a neutral venue due to political tensions between the arch-rivals.

Veteran Leander Paes improved his Davis Cup record to 44 doubles wins Saturday as India thrashed Pakistan 4-0 in the Asia/Oceania tie played at a neutral venue due to political tensions between the arch-rivals. The 46-year-old Paes combined with Jeevan Nedunchezhiyan to serve out Pakistan's teenage pair of Muhammad Shoaib and Huzaifa Abdul Rehman 6-1, 6-3 in the Kazakhstan capital of Nur-Sultan. Paes, who overtook Italy's Nicola Pietrangeli as Davis Cup's most successful doubles player with his 43rd win last year, won the doubles match to seal India's berth in the qualifiers. Sumit Nagal then turned out for the reverse single to outplay Yousaf Khalil 6-1, 6-0 in 32 minutes and the fifth match was not played. India will now travel to Croatia -- two-time Davis Cup champions -- next year for the world group qualifiers to be played on March 6-7. The 12 winners of the qualifiers will join the six teams -- Spain, Canada, Great Britain, Russia, France and Serbia -- that have already booked their place in the Davis Cup finals. The International Tennis Federation moved the Asia/Oceania Group 1 tie away from Islamabad because of India's security fears even though Pakistan opposed the decision. Pakistan's top players Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi and Aqeel Khan pulled out of the tie in protest. The match was also pushed back from September because of security fears, as the two countries were wrangling over the disputed territory of Kashmir. The nuclear-armed neighbours split angrily in 1947 after independence from Britain and have fought three wars since. Sport has also suffered badly. India cut bilateral cricket ties with Pakistan after attacks in Mumbai in 2008 that authorities blamed on Pakistani militants. India last played a Davis Cup tie in Pakistan in 1964, when they beat the hosts 4-0. Pakistan lost 3-2 when they played in Mumbai in 2006.

India rout Pakistan 4-0 to seal Davis Cup qualifiers spot

Dominant India are all set to take on depleted Pakistan as the archrivals will finally meet on Friday in Nur-Sultan in Kazakhstan for a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/india-and-pakistans-davis-cup-clash-to-be-held-in-kazakstan-263587">Davis Cup </a>tie after a tensed political standoff.&nbsp;

The match was scheduled to be held in September in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/india-to-travel-to-pakistan-for-davis-cup-tie-239315">Pakistan </a>but the date kept on getting extended over safety concerns. Following the terror incident in Pulwama and revocation of Article 370 in the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir, the Indian side raised its concern over the safety and security of Indian 
players.&nbsp;

On November 4, an independent tribunal of the International Tennis Federation (ITF) agreed to the decision taken by the Davis Cup committee that the match should be shifted to a neutral venue keeping in mind the security of the players.&nbsp;

The squad of Indian team looks strong with the presence of young but promising Sumit Nagal, veteran Leander Paes and Ramkumar Ramanathan. Pakistan's top players Aisam-ul-haq Qureshi and Aqeel Khan pulled out of the match have added insult to its injuries.

On one hand, the Indian players have experience of Grand Slams, while Pakistan, still struggles to make an impact at ITF Futures level.

From India, Rohan Bopanna will miss the doubles match due to a shoulder injury.&nbsp;

46-year-old Paes will have a chance to better his record of most doubles win in the tournament, 43 which he had achieved last year during the match against China.&nbsp;

Ramkumar will begin the proceedings on Friday with a singles match against Pakistan's Muhammad Shoaib, who has not even won a single match in the ITF Futures tournament. The 17-year-old has missed the entire 2019 season.&nbsp;

Nagal will then lock horns against Huzaifa Abdul Rehman in the second singles match.&nbsp;

On Saturday, Paes will team up with Jeevan Nedunchezhiyan to face Shoaib and Abdul Rehman in the doubles tie.

The five rubbers will be held on Friday and Saturday and the tie will begin at 1:30 pm (IST).&nbsp;

(with inputs from agencies)

Dominant India are all set to take on depleted Pakistan as the archrivals will finally meet on Friday in Nur-Sultan in Kazakhstan for a Davis Cup tie after a tensed political standoff.

Dominant India are all set to take on depleted Pakistan as the archrivals will finally meet on Friday in Nur-Sultan in Kazakhstan for a Davis Cup tie after a tensed political standoff. The match was scheduled to be held in September in Pakistan but the date kept on getting extended over safety concerns. Following the terror incident in Pulwama and revocation of Article 370 in the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir, the Indian side raised its concern over the safety and security of Indian players. On November 4, an independent tribunal of the International Tennis Federation (ITF) agreed to the decision taken by the Davis Cup committee that the match should be shifted to a neutral venue keeping in mind the security of the players. The squad of Indian team looks strong with the presence of young but promising Sumit Nagal, veteran Leander Paes and Ramkumar Ramanathan. Pakistan's top players Aisam-ul-haq Qureshi and Aqeel Khan pulled out of the match have added insult to its injuries. On one hand, the Indian players have experience of Grand Slams, while Pakistan, still struggles to make an impact at ITF Futures level. From India, Rohan Bopanna will miss the doubles match due to a shoulder injury. 46-year-old Paes will have a chance to better his record of most doubles win in the tournament, 43 which he had achieved last year during the match against China. Ramkumar will begin the proceedings on Friday with a singles match against Pakistan's Muhammad Shoaib, who has not even won a single match in the ITF Futures tournament. The 17-year-old has missed the entire 2019 season. Nagal will then lock horns against Huzaifa Abdul Rehman in the second singles match. On Saturday, Paes will team up with Jeevan Nedunchezhiyan to face Shoaib and Abdul Rehman in the doubles tie. The five rubbers will be held on Friday and Saturday and the tie will begin at 1:30 pm (IST). (with inputs from agencies)

Davis Cup: Dominant India set to lock horns against Pakistan in Kazakhstan

Ramkumar Ramanathan and Sumit Nagal easily won their opening singles battles on Friday to give India a 2-0 lead over Pakistan in a&nbsp;Davis&nbsp;Cup&nbsp;clash moved to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../india-pakistan-davis-cup-tie-shifted-to-neutral- venue-259986">neutral territory</a> because of the arch-rivalry between the neighbours.&nbsp;

Ramanathan dispatched Muhammad Shoaib 6-0, 6-0 in 42 minutes in the first match in the Kazakhstan capital of Nur-Sultan.

Nagal then outplayed Huzaifa Abdul Rehman 6-0, 6-2 in one hour and four minutes.

India will travel to Croatia in March 2020 for the world group qualifiers if they win the best-of-five rubber.

The International Tennis Federation moved the Asia/Oceania Group 1 away from Islamabad because of India's security fears even though Pakistan opposed the decision.

Pakistan's top players Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi and Aqeel Khan pulled out of the tie in protest, giving teenagers Shoaib and Rehman their chance alongside Yousaf Khalil.

The match was also pushed back from September because of the security fears, as the two countries were wrangling over the disputed territory of Kashmir.

The nuclear-armed neighbours split angrily in 1947 after independence from Britain and have fought three wars since. Sport has also suffered badly.

India cut bilateral cricket ties with Pakistan after attacks in Mumbai in 2008 that authorities blamed on Pakistani militants.

India last played a&nbsp;Davis&nbsp;Cup&nbsp;tie in Pakistan in 1964, when they beat the hosts 4-0. Pakistan lost 3-2 when they played in Mumbai in 2006.

Ramkumar Ramanathan and Sumit Nagal easily won their opening singles battles on Friday to give India a 2-0 lead over Pakistan in a Davis Cup clash moved to neutral territory because of the arch-rivalry between the neighbours.

Ramkumar Ramanathan and Sumit Nagal easily won their opening singles battles on Friday to give India a 2-0 lead over Pakistan in a Davis Cup clash moved to neutral territory because of the arch-rivalry between the neighbours. Ramanathan dispatched Muhammad Shoaib 6-0, 6-0 in 42 minutes in the first match in the Kazakhstan capital of Nur-Sultan. Nagal then outplayed Huzaifa Abdul Rehman 6-0, 6-2 in one hour and four minutes. India will travel to Croatia in March 2020 for the world group qualifiers if they win the best-of-five rubber. The International Tennis Federation moved the Asia/Oceania Group 1 away from Islamabad because of India's security fears even though Pakistan opposed the decision. Pakistan's top players Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi and Aqeel Khan pulled out of the tie in protest, giving teenagers Shoaib and Rehman their chance alongside Yousaf Khalil. The match was also pushed back from September because of the security fears, as the two countries were wrangling over the disputed territory of Kashmir. The nuclear-armed neighbours split angrily in 1947 after independence from Britain and have fought three wars since. Sport has also suffered badly. India cut bilateral cricket ties with Pakistan after attacks in Mumbai in 2008 that authorities blamed on Pakistani militants. India last played a Davis Cup tie in Pakistan in 1964, when they beat the hosts 4-0. Pakistan lost 3-2 when they played in Mumbai in 2006.

India lead 2-0 against arch rivals Pakistan on Day 1 of Davis Cup

As Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan prepares to host the much-awaited Davis Cup tie between India and Pakistan, WION's sports editor Digvijay Singh Deo spoke to Indian tennis legend Leander Paes on the crucial encounter.

WION exclusively spoke to Indian tennis legend Leander Paes

He isn't involved with Indian tennis but the legendary <a href="http://www.wionews.com/search?q=Boris+Becker">Boris Becker</a> knows that the country's top stars have been "fighting a little" and urged the trio of Leander Paes, Mahesh Bhupathi and Sania Mirza to work together for the sport's sake while speaking ahead of the Laureus World Sports Awards.&nbsp;

Talking about Indian tennis, which has not been able to produce world-class singles players in the last three decades, Becker said that the trio (all doubles specialists) need to unite to take the game forward in their country.&nbsp;

"India has a long success history in tennis. You have to have large pool of players, so that some of them go on to win titles. At the moment you don't see them but I would say it is a matter of time," the German great told PTI.&nbsp;

"Tennis is very popular in India, I know that for a fact. May be the likes of Sania, Bhupathi and Paes need to do something about it. I know they are fighting a little but that is the only solution (to work together)," he added.&nbsp;

Paes, Bhupathi and Mirza have had public spats over choice of doubles partners at multi-sport events in the past.&nbsp;

Last year, Paes had pulled out of the Asian Games, complaining that he did not get a partner of choice for the men's doubles event.&nbsp;

He isn't involved with Indian tennis but the legendary Boris Becker knows that the country's top stars have been "fighting a little" and urged the trio of Leander Paes, Mahesh Bhupathi and Sania Mirza to work together for the sport's sake while speaking ahead of the Laureus World Sports Awards.

He isn't involved with Indian tennis but the legendary Boris Becker knows that the country's top stars have been "fighting a little" and urged the trio of Leander Paes, Mahesh Bhupathi and Sania Mirza to work together for the sport's sake while speaking ahead of the Laureus World Sports Awards. Talking about Indian tennis, which has not been able to produce world-class singles players in the last three decades, Becker said that the trio (all doubles specialists) need to unite to take the game forward in their country. "India has a long success history in tennis. You have to have large pool of players, so that some of them go on to win titles. At the moment you don't see them but I would say it is a matter of time," the German great told PTI. "Tennis is very popular in India, I know that for a fact. May be the likes of Sania, Bhupathi and Paes need to do something about it. I know they are fighting a little but that is the only solution (to work together)," he added. Paes, Bhupathi and Mirza have had public spats over choice of doubles partners at multi-sport events in the past. Last year, Paes had pulled out of the Asian Games, complaining that he did not get a partner of choice for the men's doubles event.

Indian tennis stars 'fighting a little' but need to work together: Boris Becker

Veteran <a href="http://www.wionews.com/search?title=Leander+Paes">Leander Paes</a> is one win away from winning his second title of the season on the Challenger circuit, reaching the final of the Santo Domingo Open with partner Miguel Angel Reyyes-Varela.&nbsp;

The second-seeded Indo-Mexican pair prevailed 6-4, 7-6(3) over Argentine combine of Tomas Lipovsek Puches and Juan Ignacio Londero in one hour and 23 minutes.&nbsp;

Paes and Angel dropped their serve twice but broke their rivals thrice to take the opening set. In the second set too, the two pairs broke each other twice before Paes and Angel won the tie-breaker to seal a spot in the summit clash.&nbsp;

It will be the second consecutive final for Paes and Angel, who also reached the final at Montrrey Challenger last week, ending runners-up to Jeevan Nedunchezhiyan and Marcelo Arevalo.&nbsp;

Before this tournament, Paes ended runner-up at Montrrey, Chicago, Dallas on the ATP Challenger circuit and won the Newport event.&nbsp;

Apart from these, Paes also reached the final at Winston-Salem Open and Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships on the ATP World Tour, ending runner-up with Jamie Cerretani in both the tournaments.

Veteran Leander Paes is one win away from winning his second title of the season on the Challenger circuit, reaching the final of the Santo Domingo Open with partner Miguel Angel Reyyes-Varela.

Veteran Leander Paes is one win away from winning his second title of the season on the Challenger circuit, reaching the final of the Santo Domingo Open with partner Miguel Angel Reyyes-Varela. The second-seeded Indo-Mexican pair prevailed 6-4, 7-6(3) over Argentine combine of Tomas Lipovsek Puches and Juan Ignacio Londero in one hour and 23 minutes. Paes and Angel dropped their serve twice but broke their rivals thrice to take the opening set. In the second set too, the two pairs broke each other twice before Paes and Angel won the tie-breaker to seal a spot in the summit clash. It will be the second consecutive final for Paes and Angel, who also reached the final at Montrrey Challenger last week, ending runners-up to Jeevan Nedunchezhiyan and Marcelo Arevalo. Before this tournament, Paes ended runner-up at Montrrey, Chicago, Dallas on the ATP Challenger circuit and won the Newport event. Apart from these, Paes also reached the final at Winston-Salem Open and Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships on the ATP World Tour, ending runner-up with Jamie Cerretani in both the tournaments.

Leander Paes earns chance to win 2nd title of season, reaches final in Santo Domingo Open

Amidst the CWG and IPL buzz, one sports news went passed on a rather low node. Indian tennis star Leander Paes became the most successful doubles player in the history of Davis Cup when teamed up with Rohan Bopanna, he defeated the Chinese pair on 7th April in the doubles rubber of the Asia/Oceania tie.

It was the 43rd double victory for Paes in the coveted Davis Cup.

This is an incredible feat considering the fact that Paes is active as an international player for close to 28 years now. Looking at his uncanny endurance, ee can only define him as a timeless, ageless samurai and tireless crusader.

Imagine this. When Paes struck with fame in 1990 with junior Wimbledon title, most of current ATP players weren’t even born – internet and World Wide Web wasn’t even launched properly – Narendra Modi was under the transition phase from an RSS Pracharak to the politician and current Indian Cricket Captain Virat Kohli was just a toddler.

This Davis Cup record mentioned above itself suggests the very high level of Paes’s commitment to his country as he earned it playing for India. Leander Paes deserves huge applaud for the very reason that he is among the sportspersons, for whom nation comes before anything else.

For an Indian sports junkie like me, Paes is a very special Indian sportsman for a very interesting reason as well. The first time our generation saw an Indian on a medal podium at Olympic, courtesy Paes. His bronze medal at the Atlanta Olympic in 1996 was like an invaluable drizzle in a desert riddled with drought for years. it was just a second individual medal by an Indian at the Olympics (after 44 years of first individual medal) and an Indian medal 16 years after India won Hockey Gold at Moscow in 1980.

His longevity in the game is unprecedented, somewhat only parallel to the great Martina Navratilova. Navratilova was active at the level of Grand Slam Tennis for three decades. As a matter of fact, Paes also partnered Navratilova in many Grand Slams and this pair won four Mixed Doubles Grand Slam during 2003-04. Later in 2015, Navratilova revealed that Leander Paes had been her most favourite mixed doubles partner during the whole career.

His predecessors Vijay Amritraj and Ramesh Krishnan did better than Leander in Grand Slam singles but Leander almost attained a cult status in men’s doubles and mixed doubles. He has so far played in 34 doubles and mixed doubles Grand Slam finals and won eight doubles and ten mixed doubles. During the course, he completed the career slam in both doubles and mixed doubles.

Notwithstanding his difference with Mahesh Bhupathi in the later years, the highest point of Leander’s career was his association with Bhupathi to forge into one of the most formidable men doubles pair in ATP. During 1999, they ruled the world Tennis. This pair was almost invisible and played in all four Grand Slams in 1999 and won two. During 1999, Leander along with Bhupathi was one of the most talked about Indian across the globe. His last Grand Slam came as late as in 2016 when he won mixed doubles at the French Open at the age of 43.

At the age of 44, when most of the Tennis players are well past their prime by at least 10 years, Paes’s commitment at the court and his appetite for the victory is no short of a wonder.

This is the time to bow in respect to one of the greatest sportspersons this country has produced. He is an undisputed epitome of endurance and never say die attitude.

Let’s all hail Leander Paes at this special moment and on this colossal achievement.

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the authors and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

&nbsp

At the age of 44, when most of the Tennis players are well past their prime by at least 10 years, Paes’s commitment at the court and his appetite for the victory is no short of a wonder

Amidst the CWG and IPL buzz, one sports news went passed on a rather low node. Indian tennis star Leander Paes became the most successful doubles player in the history of Davis Cup when teamed up with Rohan Bopanna, he defeated the Chinese pair on 7th April in the doubles rubber of the Asia/Oceania tie. It was the 43rd double victory for Paes in the coveted Davis Cup. This is an incredible feat considering the fact that Paes is active as an international player for close to 28 years now. Looking at his uncanny endurance, ee can only define him as a timeless, ageless samurai and tireless crusader. Imagine this. When Paes struck with fame in 1990 with junior Wimbledon title, most of current ATP players weren’t even born – internet and World Wide Web wasn’t even launched properly – Narendra Modi was under the transition phase from an RSS Pracharak to the politician and current Indian Cricket Captain Virat Kohli was just a toddler. This Davis Cup record mentioned above itself suggests the very high level of Paes’s commitment to his country as he earned it playing for India. Leander Paes deserves huge applaud for the very reason that he is among the sportspersons, for whom nation comes before anything else. For an Indian sports junkie like me, Paes is a very special Indian sportsman for a very interesting reason as well. The first time our generation saw an Indian on a medal podium at Olympic, courtesy Paes. His bronze medal at the Atlanta Olympic in 1996 was like an invaluable drizzle in a desert riddled with drought for years. it was just a second individual medal by an Indian at the Olympics (after 44 years of first individual medal) and an Indian medal 16 years after India won Hockey Gold at Moscow in 1980. His longevity in the game is unprecedented, somewhat only parallel to the great Martina Navratilova. Navratilova was active at the level of Grand Slam Tennis for three decades. As a matter of fact, Paes also partnered Navratilova in many Grand Slams and this pair won four Mixed Doubles Grand Slam during 2003-04. Later in 2015, Navratilova revealed that Leander Paes had been her most favourite mixed doubles partner during the whole career. His predecessors Vijay Amritraj and Ramesh Krishnan did better than Leander in Grand Slam singles but Leander almost attained a cult status in men’s doubles and mixed doubles. He has so far played in 34 doubles and mixed doubles Grand Slam finals and won eight doubles and ten mixed doubles. During the course, he completed the career slam in both doubles and mixed doubles. Notwithstanding his difference with Mahesh Bhupathi in the later years, the highest point of Leander’s career was his association with Bhupathi to forge into one of the most formidable men doubles pair in ATP. During 1999, they ruled the world Tennis. This pair was almost invisible and played in all four Grand Slams in 1999 and won two. During 1999, Leander along with Bhupathi was one of the most talked about Indian across the globe. His last Grand Slam came as late as in 2016 when he won mixed doubles at the French Open at the age of 43. At the age of 44, when most of the Tennis players are well past their prime by at least 10 years, Paes’s commitment at the court and his appetite for the victory is no short of a wonder. This is the time to bow in respect to one of the greatest sportspersons this country has produced. He is an undisputed epitome of endurance and never say die attitude. Let’s all hail Leander Paes at this special moment and on this colossal achievement. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the authors and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Opinion: Leander Paes - A tireless crusader

Indian Tennis players Leander Paes and Rohan Bopanna notched up a hard fought win in the doubles contest to keep India's chances alive in their Davis Cup Asia/Ocenia Group I tie against China on Saturday.

44-year-old Paes and Bopanna downed a fighting Chinese pair of Mo Xin Gong and Ze Zhang 5-7, 7-6(5), 7-6(3) in the do-or-die doubles.&nbsp

With this win, Paes becomes the most successful player in the history of the tennis competition.

Paes was tied on 42 wins with Italian great Nicola Pietrangeli for a long time, but the Kolkata born star finally surpassed him with his 43rd victory.

In the first set, Paes' service was broken in the 11th game after the two pairs were tied at 5-5.

The Indians got more break opportunities than the hosts but struggled to kill it off.

The Indians broke Gong in the third game for a 2-1 lead and then held on.

In the decider, Paes and Bopanna frittered away a 3-1 lead by losing three games in a row to trail 3-4.&nbsp

Paes came out to serve at 5-6 and went down 0-30 but the veteran used all his experience to pull off the crucial hold to force another tie-breaker.

In the tie-breaker, the two players used all their experience to roll over the lower-ranked Chinese and pull off the triumph.

The Indian youngsters will now have to win both the reverse singles to advance to the World Group Play-offs. 
&nbsp

44-year-old Paes and Bopanna downed a fighting Chinese pair

Indian Tennis players Leander Paes and Rohan Bopanna notched up a hard fought win in the doubles contest to keep India's chances alive in their Davis Cup Asia/Ocenia Group I tie against China on Saturday. 44-year-old Paes and Bopanna downed a fighting Chinese pair of Mo Xin Gong and Ze Zhang 5-7, 7-6(5), 7-6(3) in the do-or-die doubles. With this win, Paes becomes the most successful player in the history of the tennis competition. Paes was tied on 42 wins with Italian great Nicola Pietrangeli for a long time, but the Kolkata born star finally surpassed him with his 43rd victory. In the first set, Paes' service was broken in the 11th game after the two pairs were tied at 5-5. The Indians got more break opportunities than the hosts but struggled to kill it off. The Indians broke Gong in the third game for a 2-1 lead and then held on. In the decider, Paes and Bopanna frittered away a 3-1 lead by losing three games in a row to trail 3-4. Paes came out to serve at 5-6 and went down 0-30 but the veteran used all his experience to pull off the crucial hold to force another tie-breaker. In the tie-breaker, the two players used all their experience to roll over the lower-ranked Chinese and pull off the triumph. The Indian youngsters will now have to win both the reverse singles to advance to the World Group Play-offs.

Davis Cup: Leander Paes creates history as India win doubles match

Veteran Indian doubles legend Leander Paes and Purav Raja have crashed out of the Australian Open after losing to Juan Cabal and Robert Farah in Men`s Double third round on January 21 at Court 8.

The Indian pair lost to the 11th seeded Colombian duo 1-6, 2-6, in an hour-and-nine-minute-long match.

Paes and Raja, who won two Challenger-level titles to close the 2017 season, were playing their second Grand Slam together. At the 2017 US Open, they had fallen in the second round.

The last time 44-year-old Paes played a quarterfinal at a Grand Slam was in 2016 at French Open.

He recently posted on social media, &quot;Thank you to all of you for your consistent&nbsp;support !&nbsp;We&rsquo;re still improving as a team &amp; I just want to say always work hard towards your goals. Don&rsquo;t rest on past laurels or get bowed down by what critics say. Take it in your stride and keep going. Age is just a number&quot;

Now, Rohan Bopanna, along with Hungarian tennis player Timea Babos, will play the Australian duo of Ellen Perez and Andrew Whittington in the first round of Mixed Doubles later today.

The Indian pair lost to the 11th seeded Colombian duo 1-6, 2-6, in an hour-and-nine-minute-long match

Veteran Indian doubles legend Leander Paes and Purav Raja have crashed out of the Australian Open after losing to Juan Cabal and Robert Farah in Men`s Double third round on January 21 at Court 8. The Indian pair lost to the 11th seeded Colombian duo 1-6, 2-6, in an hour-and-nine-minute-long match. Paes and Raja, who won two Challenger-level titles to close the 2017 season, were playing their second Grand Slam together. At the 2017 US Open, they had fallen in the second round. The last time 44-year-old Paes played a quarterfinal at a Grand Slam was in 2016 at French Open. He recently posted on social media, "Thank you to all of you for your consistent support ! We’re still improving as a team & I just want to say always work hard towards your goals. Don’t rest on past laurels or get bowed down by what critics say. Take it in your stride and keep going. Age is just a number" Now, Rohan Bopanna, along with Hungarian tennis player Timea Babos, will play the Australian duo of Ellen Perez and Andrew Whittington in the first round of Mixed Doubles later today.

Australian Open: Indian duo Leander Paes Purav Raja crash out

Veteran Leander Paes and Purav Raja fought off a match point to shock formidable fifth seeds Bruno Soares and Jamie Murray and progress to the men&#39;s doubles third round at the Australian Open here today.

The unseeded Indians overcame the Brazilian-Briton team 7-6(3) 5-7 7-6(6) after battling hard for close to three hours.

Left-handed Murray, world number 9 in doubles and Soares, number 10, were one of the most consistent performers in the 2017 season but it was Raja who stood out with his superlative net play today.

It was a tight contest from the beginning and after splitting the first two sets, the third set was locked 5-5 in the tie-breaker when Murray earned his side a match point on his second serve.

Raja, though came serving extremely well to not only save that match point but also earned a match point for the Indians with excellent hands at the net.

Soares served down a match point and Raja delivered a stunning backhand return winner to seal the issue.

Paes and Raja, who won two Challenger level titles to close the 2017 season, are playing their second Grand Slam together.

At the 2017 US Open, they fell in the second round.

Now they will fight it out with Colombian 11th seeds Juan Sebastian Cabal and Robert Farah for a place in the quarterfinals.

The last time 44-year-old Paes played a quarterfinal at a Grand Slam was in 2016 at French Open where he and Marcin Matkowski had lost to Mike and Bob Bryan.&nbsp;

They overcame the Brazilian-Briton team 7-6(3) 5-7 7-6(6) after battling hard for close to three hours

Veteran Leander Paes and Purav Raja fought off a match point to shock formidable fifth seeds Bruno Soares and Jamie Murray and progress to the men's doubles third round at the Australian Open here today. The unseeded Indians overcame the Brazilian-Briton team 7-6(3) 5-7 7-6(6) after battling hard for close to three hours. Left-handed Murray, world number 9 in doubles and Soares, number 10, were one of the most consistent performers in the 2017 season but it was Raja who stood out with his superlative net play today. It was a tight contest from the beginning and after splitting the first two sets, the third set was locked 5-5 in the tie-breaker when Murray earned his side a match point on his second serve. Raja, though came serving extremely well to not only save that match point but also earned a match point for the Indians with excellent hands at the net. Soares served down a match point and Raja delivered a stunning backhand return winner to seal the issue. Paes and Raja, who won two Challenger level titles to close the 2017 season, are playing their second Grand Slam together. At the 2017 US Open, they fell in the second round. Now they will fight it out with Colombian 11th seeds Juan Sebastian Cabal and Robert Farah for a place in the quarterfinals. The last time 44-year-old Paes played a quarterfinal at a Grand Slam was in 2016 at French Open where he and Marcin Matkowski had lost to Mike and Bob Bryan.

Australian Open: Leander Paes, Purav Raja save match point to make pre-quarters

Indian tennis star Leander Paes today regained his place in the top-50, courtesy Challenger title win at the Newport Beach event, as he jumped 14 places to 47 in the latest rankings, issued today.

Paes had partnered American James Cerretani for the Newport Beach tournament, which fetched him 125 ranking points. This week he is playing at the USD 125,000 Dallas event, for which he has partnered Briton Joe Salisbury.

41-year-old Leander Paes won his 25th ATP Challenger level doubles title with partner James Cerretani after beating Denis Kudla and Treat Huey in the final of the Newport Beach event.

Leander Paes has won crucial 125 points with this win as he is striving to move up the rankings ladder.

He had logged 90 points at the Australian Open, where he made the third round with compatriot Purav Raja.

Rohan Bopanna is India&#39;s top-ranked doubles player at number 20 after losing a place and is followed by left-hander Divij Sharan, who has gained three places to get to a career-best 45.

In the singles, Yuki Bhambri, who qualified for the main draw of the just-concluded Australian Open and lost in first round, gained eight places to be ranked 118.

Bhambri is followed by Ramkumar Ramanathan (140, +1), Sumit Nagal (218, -1), Prajnesh Gunneswran (244, +3) and N Sriram Balaji (391, +2).

Leander Paes had partnered American James Cerretani for the Newport Beach tournament, which fetched him 125 ranking points

Indian tennis star Leander Paes today regained his place in the top-50, courtesy Challenger title win at the Newport Beach event, as he jumped 14 places to 47 in the latest rankings, issued today. Paes had partnered American James Cerretani for the Newport Beach tournament, which fetched him 125 ranking points. This week he is playing at the USD 125,000 Dallas event, for which he has partnered Briton Joe Salisbury. 41-year-old Leander Paes won his 25th ATP Challenger level doubles title with partner James Cerretani after beating Denis Kudla and Treat Huey in the final of the Newport Beach event. Leander Paes has won crucial 125 points with this win as he is striving to move up the rankings ladder. He had logged 90 points at the Australian Open, where he made the third round with compatriot Purav Raja. Rohan Bopanna is India's top-ranked doubles player at number 20 after losing a place and is followed by left-hander Divij Sharan, who has gained three places to get to a career-best 45. In the singles, Yuki Bhambri, who qualified for the main draw of the just-concluded Australian Open and lost in first round, gained eight places to be ranked 118. Bhambri is followed by Ramkumar Ramanathan (140, +1), Sumit Nagal (218, -1), Prajnesh Gunneswran (244, +3) and N Sriram Balaji (391, +2).

Leander Paes back in top-50 after Newport Beach title win

Mahesh Bhupathi said today (April 9) that he had no &quot;personal agenda&quot; in keeping Leander Paes out of the Indian Davis Cup team and said his former partner&#39;s decision to leave Bangalore mid-way into the tie was the&nbsp;final nail in the coffin.

After India&#39;s Davis Cup win against Uzbekistan, Bhupathi made public his Whatsapp chat with Paes on&nbsp;March 5. 
 
In their chat, Bhupathi is seen categorically telling Paes that he was still undecided about the combination but logically Rohan Bopanna would suit the conditions in Bengaluru.

Bhupathi is livid that Paes has accused him of bias and using his position to exclude him from the playing squad.

The former Davis Cup player&nbsp;pointed out that Paes had his own definition of &quot;respect&quot; and also claimed that the winner of 18 Grand Slams never always walked the talk when it came to disciplinary issues.

&quot;Through the twenty years of my career, I always believed facts will always surface and unless I was pushed into a deep hole I never responded or felt the need to because regardless of what was said the media would play is up as a personal feud. Let me be the first to say, there was never a personal feud, when I came on the Davis cup scene in 1994 I was a Leander fan and was excited to see him play Wayne Ferreira who was 10 in the world,&quot; Bhupathi wrote in a stinging yet emotional Facebook post.

&quot;....He demolished Ferreira in straight sets. I become more than a fan, besides the tennis, he had the outlandish charm with the tennis hierarchy and media. However things changed quickly, when both our captain sir Jaideep Mukerjea and coach Enrico Piperno were strong armed out of the team end of 1999 because he had heard a rumour of them being upset he didn&#39;t come for the tie against Italy but was fully fit to play Chennai open the following week, that should have been the first red flag.

&quot;He had his own definition or lack of for the word &quot;respect&quot; and it quickly become apparent there was only one train on the tracks, either you get on or stay home, I could probably write a book on all the instances over the years but I am trying to keep this short.&quot;

Bhupathi said why he was friends with Somdev, Rohan, Sania, Purav, Saketh was becauase they had mutual &quot;RESPECT 
which they never got in any form from the other (Paes).&quot;

&quot;I always try and treat people how I like to be treated and that&#39;s the basic way you treat colleagues.&quot;

&quot;If I were to forget for five minutes, all the times he took his spot on the team for granted and showed up late for Davis cup or the Olympics, or not comply with team requests on uniform or outfit, or blatantly tell the captain or management that things have to fall in place the way he needs them to, his leaving Bangalore on Saturday in the middle of our tie was the final nail in the coffin.&quot;

This is what Leander Paes had to say

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In a clear warning, Bhupathi made it clear that if Paes does not like his ideas, he should not come in his way since he has 
backing of AITA.

&quot;....I enforced a gag order on the team so there would be none (drama), but he didn&#39;t adhere to that either. I have been given the full support now of the federation, and the selection committee so now there is a New Train on the tracks, it&#39;s to get India back to the World group, it&#39;s full of energy, youth, positivity, hard work, and dreams..Those who don&#39;t like it should stay out of the way because we don&#39;t plan to stop till we get there!!!,&quot; Bhupathi concluded.&nbsp; 
 
(PTI)

After India's Davis Cup win against Uzbekistan, Bhupathi made public his Whatsapp chat with Paes from March 5

Mahesh Bhupathi said today (April 9) that he had no "personal agenda" in keeping Leander Paes out of the Indian Davis Cup team and said his former partner's decision to leave Bangalore mid-way into the tie was the final nail in the coffin. After India's Davis Cup win against Uzbekistan, Bhupathi made public his Whatsapp chat with Paes on March 5. In their chat, Bhupathi is seen categorically telling Paes that he was still undecided about the combination but logically Rohan Bopanna would suit the conditions in Bengaluru. Bhupathi is livid that Paes has accused him of bias and using his position to exclude him from the playing squad. The former Davis Cup player pointed out that Paes had his own definition of "respect" and also claimed that the winner of 18 Grand Slams never always walked the talk when it came to disciplinary issues. "Through the twenty years of my career, I always believed facts will always surface and unless I was pushed into a deep hole I never responded or felt the need to because regardless of what was said the media would play is up as a personal feud. Let me be the first to say, there was never a personal feud, when I came on the Davis cup scene in 1994 I was a Leander fan and was excited to see him play Wayne Ferreira who was 10 in the world," Bhupathi wrote in a stinging yet emotional Facebook post. "....He demolished Ferreira in straight sets. I become more than a fan, besides the tennis, he had the outlandish charm with the tennis hierarchy and media. However things changed quickly, when both our captain sir Jaideep Mukerjea and coach Enrico Piperno were strong armed out of the team end of 1999 because he had heard a rumour of them being upset he didn't come for the tie against Italy but was fully fit to play Chennai open the following week, that should have been the first red flag. "He had his own definition or lack of for the word "respect" and it quickly become apparent there was only one train on the tracks, either you get on or stay home, I could probably write a book on all the instances over the years but I am trying to keep this short." Bhupathi said why he was friends with Somdev, Rohan, Sania, Purav, Saketh was becauase they had mutual "RESPECT which they never got in any form from the other (Paes)." "I always try and treat people how I like to be treated and that's the basic way you treat colleagues." "If I were to forget for five minutes, all the times he took his spot on the team for granted and showed up late for Davis cup or the Olympics, or not comply with team requests on uniform or outfit, or blatantly tell the captain or management that things have to fall in place the way he needs them to, his leaving Bangalore on Saturday in the middle of our tie was the final nail in the coffin." This is what Leander Paes had to say In a clear warning, Bhupathi made it clear that if Paes does not like his ideas, he should not come in his way since he has backing of AITA. "....I enforced a gag order on the team so there would be none (drama), but he didn't adhere to that either. I have been given the full support now of the federation, and the selection committee so now there is a New Train on the tracks, it's to get India back to the World group, it's full of energy, youth, positivity, hard work, and dreams..Those who don't like it should stay out of the way because we don't plan to stop till we get there!!!," Bhupathi concluded. (PTI)

Mahesh Bhupathi slams Leander Paes for lack of team spirit

India&rsquo;s Leander Paes, Sania Mirza and Rohan Bopanna won their respective opening round matches kickstarting their US Open campaign at Flushing Meadows in New York on Wednesday. 
 
Bopanna and Frederik Nielsen took on 16th seeds Radek Stepanek and Nenad Zimonjic, winning the first round of men&rsquo;s doubles with 6-3, 6-7 (3), 6-3.&nbsp; 
 
Leander Paes and his Swiss mixed doubles partner Martina Hingis secured a 6-3, 6-2 win against Americans Sachia Vickery and Frances Tiafoe. 
 
World No 1 women&#39;s doubles player &nbsp;Sania Mirza and her Czech partner Barbora Strycova defeated unseeded American duo Jada Myii Hart and Ena Shibahara 6-2, 6-3 in women&rsquo;s doubles. 
 
The unseeded pair of Bopanna and Nielsen fought an hour and 53 minutes to seal the win at Court 6. 
 
Bopanna-Nielsen who were playing a more experienced Czech-Serbian combination won the &nbsp;first set 6-3. &nbsp;They are now pitted against the US-New Zealand combination of Brian Baker and Marcus Daniell for a place in the pre-quarterfinals. 
 
Sania and Barbora had five break points throughout the match,&nbsp;three of them securing their win. They won 65 out of the total 116 points played. 
 
Paes-Hingis weren&#39;t even stretched that far, wrapping &nbsp;up the match in 51 minutes. 
 
(WION with inputs from agencies)

Unseeded Bopanna-Nielsen were pitted against a more experienced Czech-Serbian combination but won 6-3, 6-7 (3), 6-3 in men's doubles

India’s Leander Paes, Sania Mirza and Rohan Bopanna won their respective opening round matches kickstarting their US Open campaign at Flushing Meadows in New York on Wednesday. Bopanna and Frederik Nielsen took on 16th seeds Radek Stepanek and Nenad Zimonjic, winning the first round of men’s doubles with 6-3, 6-7 (3), 6-3. Leander Paes and his Swiss mixed doubles partner Martina Hingis secured a 6-3, 6-2 win against Americans Sachia Vickery and Frances Tiafoe. World No 1 women's doubles player Sania Mirza and her Czech partner Barbora Strycova defeated unseeded American duo Jada Myii Hart and Ena Shibahara 6-2, 6-3 in women’s doubles. The unseeded pair of Bopanna and Nielsen fought an hour and 53 minutes to seal the win at Court 6. Bopanna-Nielsen who were playing a more experienced Czech-Serbian combination won the first set 6-3. They are now pitted against the US-New Zealand combination of Brian Baker and Marcus Daniell for a place in the pre-quarterfinals. Sania and Barbora had five break points throughout the match, three of them securing their win. They won 65 out of the total 116 points played. Paes-Hingis weren't even stretched that far, wrapping up the match in 51 minutes. (WION with inputs from agencies)

US Open 2016: Leander Paes, Sania Mirza, Rohan Bopanna ace opening rounds

Leander Paes and Rohan Bopanna made an ideal start to their Olympic preparations as they sealed a Davis Cup world play-off berth for India, winning the doubles rubber against South Korea in Chandigarh today. 
 
The duo&#39;s win gave India an unassailable 3-0 lead on the grass courts of the Chandigarh Club after the team won both the singles matches of the Asia/Oceania Group I tie. 
 
Paes and Bopanna, who were chosen as a doubles pair by India&#39;s tennis association for the Rio Games, outplayed the Korean pair of Seong Chan Hong and Hong Chung 6-3 6-4 6-4. 
 
Bopanna, who had voiced his displeasure of &quot;not being given a say&quot; in choosing his Olympic partner, insisted he shared a good &quot;on-court chemistry&quot; with Paes. 
 
&quot;Chemistry was great. If it wasn&#39;t good, we could not have got such convincing win. We did not push much and just made sure that we come out strong,&quot; said Bopanna. 
 
The 43-year-old Paes, who is set for his seventh Olympic participation, also enjoyed the doubles win. 
 
&quot;We have won in three sets. We are playing well. It has been a great season for us. We are sharp. 
 
&quot;Even if the competition was tough, we could have raised the level of our game,&quot; Paes, a winner of 18 Grand Slam titles, said. 
 
Earlier India&#39;s Saketh Myneni and Ramkumar Ramanathan had won their respective singles on Friday to hand India a 2-0 cushion. 
 
The reverse singles matches slated for Sunday now remain a mere formality as the Koreans will be playing for pride against an upbeat India. 
 
(AFP)

They gave India a 3-0 lead after the team won both the singles matches of the Asia/Oceania Group I tie

Leander Paes and Rohan Bopanna made an ideal start to their Olympic preparations as they sealed a Davis Cup world play-off berth for India, winning the doubles rubber against South Korea in Chandigarh today. The duo's win gave India an unassailable 3-0 lead on the grass courts of the Chandigarh Club after the team won both the singles matches of the Asia/Oceania Group I tie. Paes and Bopanna, who were chosen as a doubles pair by India's tennis association for the Rio Games, outplayed the Korean pair of Seong Chan Hong and Hong Chung 6-3 6-4 6-4. Bopanna, who had voiced his displeasure of "not being given a say" in choosing his Olympic partner, insisted he shared a good "on-court chemistry" with Paes. "Chemistry was great. If it wasn't good, we could not have got such convincing win. We did not push much and just made sure that we come out strong," said Bopanna. The 43-year-old Paes, who is set for his seventh Olympic participation, also enjoyed the doubles win. "We have won in three sets. We are playing well. It has been a great season for us. We are sharp. "Even if the competition was tough, we could have raised the level of our game," Paes, a winner of 18 Grand Slam titles, said. Earlier India's Saketh Myneni and Ramkumar Ramanathan had won their respective singles on Friday to hand India a 2-0 cushion. The reverse singles matches slated for Sunday now remain a mere formality as the Koreans will be playing for pride against an upbeat India. (AFP)

Tennis: Paes, Bopanna seal India's Davis Cup play-off berth

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