Chennai: For someone who has a penchant for numbers and making history, the beginning of the 2015 ATP Tour season marks a mammoth milestone. It’s Leander Paes’ silver jubilee year on the profession Tour. Paes, who turned pro in 1991, spoke about his quest for another Olympic medal, 99th partner and his desire to play in Mahesh Bhupathi-backed International Premier Tennis League. Excerpts:
On his 25th season: The main thing that drives me is the quest to win another Olympic medal. Playing year after year and pushing my body and mind day in and out, is something that motivates me. To play my seventh Games will be some sort of a record. I am not sure whether I love numbers more than creating history. Someone asked me an interesting question a couple of days ago on how many generations of players I have gone through. I myself was surprised to know that I have seen eight. As long as I feel that I can keep winning slams, I will be out there.
On whether he was approached to play in IPTL: Yes, they did. It was way back. But, I could only play two (CTL and Maharashtra league) of the three leagues. I also had some time constraints. Otherwise, I would have surely played in the IPTL. I would love to play if I am approached for next year.
On his 99th partner Raven Klassen of South Africa: Every partnership has its magic. Unfortunately, my partners in the last few years were either retired like Martin Damm or injured (Radek Stepanek). I had a good run with Radek. We missed the whole clay court season owing to his back injury. Now, the plan is to play with Raven throughout the season.
On possibilities of playing with Rohan Bopanna in the run-up to the 2016 Rio Olympics: I love playing for the country, in Davis Cup, Olympics and Asian Games. But end of the day, you have to look after your own career. Playing on the Tour is my bread and butter. I have no issues playing with Rohan straight into the Games.
