They may have gone their separate ways long ago but the combination of Leander Paes and Mahesh Bhupathi continues to evoke pleasant memories.
Arantxa Sanchez Vicario, one of the biggest names in women’s tennis, is among those who wishes that the ‘Indian Express’ had stayed together. “They made a very good couple. They were winning so much. It was surprising when they separated because, normally, when you have a good partner, you know each other’s game. Doubles is more about communication than court coverage or chasing the ball.
“Every time you change a partner, you have to start learning the other’s game afresh. That’s why the most successful pairs are those who stick together. They [Paes and Bhupathi] would know the reasons better, but the success they have had, it’s normally hard to find with only one person in a limited time. I was told only here [in India] that there were so many issues. I was hoping they continue for longer,” the Spaniard told The Hindu in an exclusive interaction.
Arantxa is in India as brand ambassador to promote Rendezvous a Roland Garros , a talent hunt programme that will culminate in a wildcard to the junior French Open. On her maiden visit here, the 45-year-old spoke of how she was “the one who got away” in terms of partnering Paes on the professional circuit.
“Normally nobody says no to him, because he is so good, so he was really upset. He said I wanted to play with you, but you never have the time! He always reminds me of it,” she laughs, adding that Paes’ longevity was admirable.
“Paes is more my generation and we spent time together during the 1996 Olympics, where he won bronze and I won silver in singles even as the Americans were winning all the gold! I was playing with Todd Woodbridge at that time and winning. I never switch my partners unless absolutely [needed] and so I finished my career without playing with him. It’s nothing personal and I tell him, ‘too bad I quit but may be now we can, as legends! But I guess you always need something to keep in your heart’,” she smiles.
Among the rare celebrities who have managed to avoid the social media bug, the Spaniard, who now lives in Miami, doesn’t miss the buzz. “As a full-time mom, I want to spend every moment with my two kids (an eight-year-old namesake daughter and a five-year-old son, Leo). I do some tennis work and commentary. I like to go horse riding because I love horses. I like fast driving so sometimes I go racing cars on the track. I go to watch football, especially Barcelona, Formula One and NBA, but my kids remain the most important,” she says.
