Davis Cup: Rafael Nadal hails Leander Paes as the best doubles player

Nadal
Rafael Nadal in action at the Davis Cup doubles in Delhi on Saturday. Image Source: Xtra Time

New Delhi, Debasis Sen: Rafael Nadal has hailed Leander Paes as the greatest doubles player in the history of tennis. Rio Olympics gold medal winner Nadal, partnering Marc Lopez got the better of Leander and Saketh Myneni in the Davis Cup doubles in a battle of four sets. The win also gave Spain an unassailable 3-0 lead in the Playoff and ensures a return to the World Group next year.

Nadal applauded Paes for what he’s done for the sport and achieved. He also acknowledged that it was never going to be easy to beat India in the rubber that they’ve excelled in. “He played a great match and it was amazing tennis tonight. It was a pleasure to play him in his own country. He’s one of the biggest stars in doubles and one of the best players in the history of our sport. It was great fun, pleasure to compete for both Marc and me to compete against a good team in India. The doubles was a tough match and anything could have happened,” he said

Nadal did not hide his excitemnent to see Spain back in the World Group, something that was eluding them in the last couple of years. “But we’re back in the World Group where we should be with players in the top 100 and today we’re back and that’s the most important thing. The team here and even those who aren’t here made a contribution to this,” he said.

Nadal admitted it was always fun to play in front of packed stadiums in India. “It’s always special to play in a country where you don’t play often. Last year I played in Philippines in Manila and it is a lot of fun to travel and play in many places around the world. It’s lucky that I’ve played many times in India in Chennai, the IPTL and now the Davis Cup. It is great to see the fans and it is great for the players and for the sport,” said the 14-time Grand Slam winner.

The 14 times Grand Slam winner, however, remained tight lipped on the chances of once again playing in India during the IPTL.