Aisam and I will be a force to reckon with: Rohan Bopanna

Rohan Bopanna is an excited man. After changing eight partners this year, he finally has reunited with Pakistan’s Aisam-ul-haq Qureshi, and intends to continue partnering him in the upcoming season. “Aisam and I have matured. Playing with other partners we got to know our strengths and weaknesses. I’m sure we’ll be a force to reckon with,” said Bopanna.

The pair split in 2012 when Bopanna decided to part ways with Qureshi in 2011 to partner compatriot Mahesh Bhupathi, keeping an eye on 2012 London Olympics.

Bopanna, who partnered Vishnu Vardhan, lost 8-5 to the pair of Mahesh Bhupathi and Saketh Mynei in the ITPA Doubles Masters tournament at Khar Gym on Sunday.

Aisam-Bopanna have hired the services of Scott Davidoff, former coach of Bhupathi. “It’s really good to have one coach instead of two. We have started training with him and are focussing on volleys and fitness. Volleys are the most important since it wins you games,” he said.

Bopanna is working hard on his fitness. “The IPTA had a camp last month in Hyderabad. Since I’m a doubles player, I used to neglect track training, but there I participated in some drills. I I am training harder as I’ve realised that as I get older, my body isn’t going to be able to cope up with the strain,” he added.