Paes says he doesn't want repeat of 2012 Olympics fiasco, adds Bopanna and him are best bet in men's doubles
For more than two decades, Leander Paes has dictated terms on a tennis court. It's a pity, thus, that the 18-time Grand Slam champion's dream to become the first tennis player to play in a seventh successive Olympics is out of his hands.
Despite clinching the French Open mixed doubles title last week, the 42-year-old will have to depend on what choice Rohan Bopanna makes for his men's doubles partner at the 2016 Rio Olympics. Bopanna earned an automatic qualification to Rio by finishing inside top-10 ATP ranking, but Paes's Roland Garros victory is sure to present his case strongly in front of Bopanna, or for that matter, the All India Tennis Association (AITA).
"I am confident that the AITA and the national selectors are going to send the best doubles (men's and mixed) team to Rio," Paes said here on Tuesdau.
"I have said this many a times in my career that I wish not to delve into selection matters as an athlete. I believe there is a selection committee which has a job to choose the best combination. I believe the higher ups in the AITA will send the best team to Rio. The selection is always done on merit. There is not a shadow of doubt that Bopanna and I are the best bet in the men's doubles to win a medal.
Asked what if Bopanna and Sania Mirza refuse to partner him in the men's and mixed doubles, respectively, Paes straight-batted the question: "Well, I have left everything to the selection committee. One thing is for sure that I personally don't want a repeat of what happened before the (2012) London Olympics. I want this issue to settle down smoothly. I have full faith in AITA. They will speak to the right individuals and will ensure that India stand the best chance to win medal in both the men's and mixed doubles. It's not about any individual, but about the country. We have to think as a nation."
Paes became only the third player in the Open Era to complete a double Career Slam in the men's and mixed doubles by lifting the Roland Garros trophy.
"Had I not performed at the French Open, my Olympic preparation and selection would have been in serious doubt," Paes said. "After reaching the quarterfinals in the men's doubles, Rohan and I was assured of a direct entry into the doubles event of the Rio Olympics. That was an important target to achieve. Of course, winning a career Grand Slam was equally important."
Paes, however, was not sure if he could play some tournaments together with Bopanna in run-up to Rio, if picked.
"Bopanna and I have had a few conversations about playing together a couple of times. But everything depends on our ranking, whether our entries are acceptable in tournaments. If that opportunity arises, it would be wonderful. We both are at the peak of our game and are ready for Rio. We are the best combination," Paes said.
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