Leander is my favourite mixed doubles partner, says Martina Navratilova

 Tennis legend Martina Navratilova on Friday described the multiple Grand Slam winner, Leander Paes, as her "favourite" mixed doubles partner.

"Of all the mixed doubles partners I played with, Leander is my favourite," Navratilova said before a mixed doubles exhibition match at the DLTA Stadium, serving as a build-up to the International Premier Tennis League's India leg to be played here on December 10-12. Paes and Navratilova won two Grand Slam mixed doubles titles (2003 Australian Open and 2003 Wimbledon) while finishing runners-up twice (2004 Australian Open and 2005 French Open).

"I have been to Delhi on a few occasions earlier also but I have never played here. Lots of people have come today to watch us play. It is a great feeling," she said. The 59-year-old teamed up with Paes on Friday against the duo of Mahesh Bhupathi and Sania Mirza. The exhibition match ended in a tie with both sides winning a set each. Paes and Navaratilova won the first set 6-2 before Bhupathi and Mirza took the second 7-5.

"We don't want to have a winner today so the match will end and we will not play the deciding set. Thank you all for coming to watch us play," Navratilova said holding a microphone to the loud cheers of nearly full R K Khanna Stadium. Paes, who is playing for Japan Warriors in the IPTL this year, said: "I have played with 105 partners in all so far. It is a pleasure to play for my country."