Paes keen to play in both men's and mixed doubles in Rio Olympics with Rohan and Sania
IT’S THE OLYMPIC YEAR and tennis fans in India are already excited about India’s hopes in Rio. And, at the moment, veteran Leander Paes is arguably India’s best bet for getting home a few medals. However, India’s highest ranked doubles player Rohan Bopanna has refused to partner Paes leading up to the Olympics. That said, the two might still team-up for the event.
Paes, on the eve of the ATP Chennai Open said:
"I had asked Rohan if he would like to play with me this year in the lead up to Rio, but he has turned me down saying he is very comfortable with Florin Mergea and would like to continue that.”
Apart from the men's doubles, Paes also fancies the country's chances in the mixed doubles category. It’s not to be forgotten that the 42-year-old tasted incredible success in 2015 by winning three out of the four Slams partnering Martina Hingis.
Speaking on his potential pairing with Sania, Paes further added,
"I certainly hope I am India's front runner in mixed doubles. I want to compete with Sania at the Olympics. It will be India's best chance of winning a medal. Rohan has never made it to a mixed doubles final and Sania hasn't been in one in 2015. On the other hand, I have won three Grand Slams, playing both on the deuce and ad courts. So my record proves it for me."
