Leander, Mahesh trying to recapture old magic

By Our Special Correspondent

NEW DELHI, MAY 25. They sound confident of their preparation for the French Open. They are hopeful of the change of dates of the World Doubles championship so that they can play in the Afro- Asian Games, as well. later in the year. In addition, they strongly suggest that the talent available in the country should be ``nurtured'' if India hopes to have a good team in the next couple of years.

For Leander Paes and Mahesh Bhupathi, life has indeed come a full circle. Success in the company of Mahesh has given Leander more than the admiration gained by winning many Davis Cup battles. On the other hand, Mahesh's identity as a tennis player is solely due to his triumphs in the doubles. Therefore, nobody needs to be reminded why they need each other - whether they like it, or not.

At present, Leander and Mahesh are trying to regain what they squandered following their decision to split after the heady run of success in 1999. Mercifully, they joined hands just before the Olympic Games last year and since then, results have been encouraging. Two titles in as many weeks this summer have once again raised the hopes of this pair recapturing some of the old magic.

The recent titles, at Atlanta and Houston, have made Leander and Mahesh look more assured. And this was difficult to miss for those present at the opening of an adidas store in the capital on Friday.

Since a media briefing was scheduled after the duo inaugurated the store, it was not surprising to note that the mediapersons present inside the small store had clearly outnumbered the curious onlookers who waited at a distance. Though a few policemen were deployed, they had very little to do as none employed uncivilised ways of getting close to the celebrity pair.

During the informal interaction with the mediapersons, Leander and Mahesh thought that being unseeded at the French Open gave them a ``different'' feeling.

``We will be reaching Paris five days in advance,'' said Mahesh and continued, ``we know that if we click, we can beat anyone.''

Leander, who believes that his strength lies in his physical condition, sounded even more confident. ``Together, we know that the `Indian Express' can roll on. After the semifinals of the Masters in Monte Carlo, we won back-to-back titles in Altanta and Houston. For us, the French Open has been a good hunting ground and we are well prepared.'' The draw is due to be made this weekend.

On the question of a number of leading players figuring in the doubles as well, like Andre Aggasi combining with Lleyton Hewitt, Leander said it was good for the event. ``There is a wildcard available every week for such players. It's good (for other players) because you don't get to play the Samprases and the Agassis every day.''

In another reply, Mahesh expressed his keenness to play in the Afro-Asian Games and the World Doubles championship later this year. On the question of the clash of dates of the two events, Mahesh said, ``we hope the dates (of the World Doubles) are changed and we get to play both the events.''

Turning to the question regarding the availability of talent in the country, Leander was of the view that, ``India has a very good bunch of youngsters. But we have to nurture them.'' But he cautioned against straightaway ``throwing them at the deep-end.''

He said,``two to three years down the line, and we can hope to have a good team.'' About the competitions for these talented players, he said, ``there are plenty of tournaments like the Futures, Satellites, Challegers etc. Many academies are doing a good job.''

Having said that, Leander was quick to add, ``you can't pull the wool over your eyes and say that we have talents like Lleyton.''

About Sunil Kumar, the former National champion who is now in the ITF team but struggling to give encouraging results, Leander said, ``it is tough for him. Even when I decided to

turn pro at 18-19, it was tough. I had such a sheltered life at the Amritraj Academy where everything one wanted was ready. But on the Tour, you have to do all by yourself on the Tour.''

On the subject of a travelling coach, Leander said that it works out very expensive. ``For the moment, Sunil Kumar needs someone with whom, he can hit a few balls and train. We, as players have a responsiblity to give back to the game. And we shall do everything possible to help him.''

Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Section  : Sport
Previous : It's determined Dekel's day
Next     : Seles withdraws; tough draw for Sampras