Exclusive – I will continue playing as long I have the passion to do well: Leander

Paes
Leander Paes with his father Vece Paes in Delhi. Image Source: Xtra Time

New Delhi, Debasis Sen: On the eve of the Davis Cup World Group playoff tie against Spain, Indian tennis ace Leander Paes has made his intentions very clear. The 43 year old Paes has put an end to all the speculation that he is not going to hang his boots until he is not enjoying the game anymore. Paes, who is on the threshold of another milestone, is just one match away to overtake Nicola Pietrangeli’s record of most number of doubles win in Davis Cup history. Xtra Time caught up with the champion tennis player for an exclusive chat ahead of the tie against Spain moments after the draw was announced. Here are the excerpts:

Leander you have gifted the country some memorable Davis Cup wins. Can we see you repeating in the tie against Spain?

I have to confess it will be a very tough contest as they are one of the top teams in the world. They have two of the best singles players in the circuit in Nadal and Ferrer. The doubles pair of Marc and Feliciano Lopez is the reigning French Open doubles champions. So, it will be a huge challenge for us.

What have been your most memorable wins in Davis Cup- obviously there are quite a few, but any three that you cherish the most.

It is a very tough one for me to answer as I have quite a few memorable wins. But yes the one in Frejus when we upset France in their own backyard is still regarded as the greatest upset by International Tennis Federation. The win against Goran Ivanisevic in Delhi was also special.

Leander, at the age of 43 years what has been your biggest motivation as you get ready to play in another Davis Cup tie for the country?

For me, to play for the flag and the people is the epitome of my career. It will be a huge challenge for us to be up against a Spanish side that has guys like Nadal and Ferrer in their ranks. But we have nothing to lose as we want to put the best foot forward.

What keeps you going at this age?

I think passion for achieving the goal that I set out for myself. The year 2016 has been a very tough year for me both on and off the court. But on the court I have been able to hit all the targets I wanted to. I wanted to go to Rio Olympics which I did to create a world record of participating in the most number of Olympics. I wanted to achieve the career grand slam in mixed doubles. I did so by winning the French Open with Martina Hingis at Roland Garros.

Leander, you are just standing on the brink of achieving the milestone of most doubles win, overtaking Nicola Pietrangeli’s record. How excited are you about the prospect?

I am looking forward to achieving the world record of most wins in doubles in Davis Cup history. This is something that no one can predict when a match can be won or lost. But for me to go out there and play the best tennis I can is also important.

You have said you would prefer to partner Saket in the doubles. How do you see him as a doubles partner and why?

Depending upon how Saket finishes up on Friday in the second singles will decide who my partner will be for the doubles. We will only come to know whether he will be fit mentally and physically for Saturday’s tie after his singles match against Ferrer.But I personally would love to play with him as he got a big serve and return. His style of play will be compatible to mine. It will also be our first match in doubles as we will be up against a formidable Spanish pair who is the reigning French Open doubles champions. But if Saket is not fit enough, then I might partner Sumit Nagal. He too is a junior Wimbledon champion. Look forward to mentor him and keep him relaxed on the court.

Can we see you penning down your autobiography in the near future , something your fans will be eagerly waiting for?

You know for me to keep writing the history books and keep editing my records is something that motivates me a lot. On saying this, yes there will be a time say one year from now or two years from now when someone will take my place in the team. As of now I am very passionate about my tennis. I still continue to love and enjoy the game like I did earlier. I like the lifestyle and hard work that takes to be a champion.  For me the benchmark is as long I continue winning Grand Slams and playing well I continue doing this. I don’t have to answer to anybody else or rather prove anyone after winning 18 Grand Slams. But when it comes to enjoying my tennis and enjoying the passion I have for tennis I will continue to play the sport.