It’s important for me and Leander to focus as a team heading into Rio: Bopanna

AS INDIA gets ready to take on South Korea in the Davis Cup tie tomorrow at Chandigarh, all eyes will be on the controversial pairing of Leander Paes and Rohan Bopanna. 

Both players have decent experience playing the Davis Cup and have been consistently performing on the ATP circuit. Keeping all the unnecessary, negative vibes and stories at bay, Bopanna told PTI, that he is comfortable teaming up with the veteran Paes and it’s time that they put aside their differences before representing the nation. 

"We have to find a way, communicate well. Like talking on the court, discussing what we have to do, how we have to plan strategy. How we have to combine as a team and gel together.” 

 “On the circuit we change partners very often. So we are used to that. In 2013, I played with Roger Vasselin and made semis in Wimbledon. It's a matter of getting good practice and it could work out. We just have to get right practice and some good communication going on. Understand each other. It will definitely benefit us.” 

Both players will be the key going into the clash against South Korea over the weekend. Also, this is the only time Rohan and Leander will have the opportunity to gel and practice together before they once again join forces at the Rio Games. 

Speaking on the issue, the 36-year-old further added, 

"You can't keep dwelling on the past. If you keep dwelling on past, you never get positives. You have to look at what is the scenario today and look ahead tomorrow. Today's thing is that me and Leander are going to Rio. We are getting practice and before Rio also we will have four-five days. I am going straight to Rio after Toronto, Leander will also be there. Those few days we will try to get practice as much as we can.”