This time Mahesh Bhupathi takes objection to Leander Paes labelling Prakash Amritraj ‘unprofessional’ for partying on the eve of the tie.
This time Mahesh Bhupathi takes objection to Leander Paes labelling Prakash Amritraj ‘unprofessional’ for partying on the eve of the tie
NEW DELHI: In an Olympic year when expectations have been raised that Leander Paes and Mahesh Bhupathi will bury their differences for a medal in Beijing, another rift between the two was evident on Saturday.
The day before, Paes had labelled Amritraj unprofessional. On Saturday Bhupathi countered that going out for a party was not unprofessional on the 24-year-old’s part.
“The whole thing has gone out of proportion. There was no alcohol involved. We are all adults and professional tennis players. I don’t think it was unprofessional, there’s no question of that,” said Bhupathi even as Paes’ jaw visibly tightened with anger.
On his part Paes, for once, admitted that he had made a mistake by saying what he did on Friday. “I allowed you guys to make an issue out of this by saying what I did. I realize that as captain I should have kept it low profile. I still stick with my decision of fielding Som (Dev Varman) as strategically it was the best option.”
Bhupathi has not openly criticized Paes — that too in a press conference with him along — at a Davis Cup tie before. His coming out in support of Amritraj while making the captain look silly — what with there now being two members of the team publicly questioning Paes’ decision — does not augur well for amity within the squad in the future.
It has been learnt that Bhupathi wanted to partner Amritraj in the doubles, as he was confident that the two would pull it off. The ten-time Grand Slam winner also felt that an outing would allow Amritraj to get better prepared for the reverse singles on Sunday.
However Paes wanted Bopanna as he felt he is in great form. Amritraj’s ability to play the deuce court — as Bhupathi prefers the add side — was also an issue of concern.
When pointedly asked as to whether their apparent disagreement would not spill over to spoil the atmosphere of the team, Bhupathi chuckled while Paes said, “As captain, it is my job to keep the boys together,” before wandering off from the topic.
The differences does not bode well for the two working out an amicable solution to play more events of tour heading into Beijing.
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