Kolkata : Even at the age of 42 years Indian tennis ace Leander Paes is full of energy . Lee as he is popularly known as , was in the city for a felicitation ceremony of former Davis Cup non playing captain Naresh Kumar organized by the South Club . It was here at South Club where a young Lenader learnt the skills of tennis . It was a priceless moment when Naresh Kumar was felicitated by his Leander and Calcutta South Club president Enrico Piperno . Later Paes got very nostalgic “Really, its special to be back to Calcutta. My roots are here. I learnt my tennis here. It’s great to now have Zeeshan as coach of the team. To stand on South Club here is wonderful. To come back and felicitate Naresh uncle, my first Davis Cup coach, is indeed a great honour.”
Leander head out tomorrow morning to America to play in Memphis. He will also play in Miami later. Speaking about his failure in the Australian Open Leander feels , “This last trip (at the Australian Open) was a bit unlucky because my partner had played quite a lot of singles matches. My partner at the Chennai Open, Granollers, got a bit unwell, so he pulled out. Then in the Australian Open Jeremy Chardy played 13-11 in the fifth set. ”
This year preparing for the Olympics is his main goal . “Last year I won three Grand Slams, so to win
three Grand Slams at 42 is wonderful. Preparing for the Olympics this year is something very important to me. ”
Regarding his availability for the Davis Cup , Leander commented ,“ I spoke to Zeeshan (Ali) during the Chennai Open. We talked about the Davis Cup and looking forward to the Olympics. It would be a wonderful celebration to play the seventh Olympics and create the world record. Also as Davis Cup comes around, with a bit of luck, we might have it here in Calcutta. If that happens, will be looking forward to play that as well.”
About playing next davis cup , he said ,“ There’s still some time for India’s next match. But as far as I’m concerned, I love playing for the country. To come up and play another tie before the Olympics will be great fun.”
Even at 42 Leander keeps himself supremely fit . On being asked his fitness , he pointed out ,“ I obviously do a lot of special training. I think with all the years of playing tennis, the tennis technique comes really natural. The fitness training, the stretching, the rehab, the cardiovascular exercises, my lifestyle is very clean. It’s all geared towards excellence and that’s why I can continue playing at this level at this age. So, to keep playing tennis is because I love the lifestyle. I like the cleanliness of the lifestyle, the hardwork, the competition, keeping the body and the mind in good nick everyday.”
Leander got very nostalgic remembering the moments in Atlanta Olympics . “Recalling those moments in Atlanta: I watch it a lot actually. I got it in my pocket. It’s in my phone and I see it a lot. Last night, I was at home and I saw all of my Olympic memorabilia. ”
Lastly , on being asked about the chances of a medal in Rio , Leander felt ,“Chances in Rio are excellent. If you look at how Sania has been playing lately, it’s really wonderful. Also, if you look, I won three Grand Slams last year. In men’s doubles, Rohan and myself have a great chance and so is the case in mixed doubles. So, looking forward to the Olympics .”