Leander Paes' hopes of playing in Rio Olympics hangs on Bopanna's decision

VETERAN TENNIS PLAYER Leander Paes is all set to make his seventh appearance in the Olympics which is a record in itself but now the chances look very slim as the final decision regarding his ticket to Rio seems to be out of his hands. Yes, you heard it right, French Open mixed doubles champion, completed a Career Slam in both men's and mixed doubles.

His list of accolades go on but despite all of that he has to be chosen by Rohan Bopanna in order to get a chance to feature in the Olympics.

Rohan Bopanna will play the deciding factor as he has gained direct entry to the Olympics and AITA is trying their best not to create any tension before the landmark event and see that everyone gets to play.

Bopanna is yet to decide who his partner will be but AITA is likely to ask him to pair with Paes keeping in mind the popular sentiment as well his ability.

"It makes sense if number one and two players of the country play as a team. Even a layman would also think that way. Rohan, no doubt, has the choice but here it is question of nation and not an individual. We are hoping that common sense will prevail," an AITA official told PTI.

The official added,

"And Leander is no less than Rohan. Yes, his ranking has gone down but he did not have a steady partner for some time. He played well at the French Open also. We do not intend to interfere but we will act in way which is in the best interest of the nation."

So now all eyes will be on Bopanna as to whom he chooses as his partner.