: Leander Paes, partnering Martina Hingis in mixed doubles at the Australian Open, said: “Doing well is going to be a celebration of life. She is my 99th partner and performing there is not just an honour, it is a celebration.”
The 41-year-old was speaking at a lecture titled ‘Learning With Leander’ as part of the third Premier Tennis League, being staged at the Deccan Gymkhana courts here.
He said that even though Indians were said to be lacking physical attributes that go into making champions in sport, they can make up by application of mind. “No matter the fact that Indians may not have the height, broad shoulders or long legs, we are astute people. When we concentrate on the right things, create the environment that is beneficial by getting the right people, we can be champions.”
Sania Mirza was cited as an example. “She is doing a great job of proving Indian women can be champions,” said Paes. “I am not tall enough, don’t have a serve or backhand.
“I have great legs, a gift from my parents — both sportspersons. I realised that by moving close to the net, it is easier to control play using my speed on court and fast hands.”
Paes, who gave up a chance to make a football career with a club in Europe, dwelt in detail about the hardship and loneliness endured as a tennis-playing kid. “Now the Indian Super League is happening here. As a kid I attended football trials conducted by Marco va Basten in Kolkata, to choose three Asians for the Barcelona junior programme. My father (Dr. Vece Paes) took me there and I was selected.”
Paes realised that going to Barcelona would mean a long-term stay and involve surrendering his Indian passport.
“I did not want to let go of my Indianness, so instead of going to Barcelona for the junior programme I appeared for the tennis trials organised by Anand Amritraj for the Britannia Amritraj Trust in Chennai, impressed him and Vijay Amritraj, and then moved bag and baggage from Kolkata.”
Running on the Marina was part of his tennis training. “My father was also there. During one of the beach runs, I wanted to give up when he took me aside and told me that he and mom had separated and that from then on, I had to learn to become a man and take charge of my own life.
“I still remember that day. I went on to finish the run and became a student of life, which I am to this day.”
He asked India’s number one woman player Ankita Raina, London Olympics doubles partner Vishnu Vardhan and one of India’s leading men’s pro Saketh Myneni to give their version of sacrifices to survive on the circuit.
“These youngsters are trying hard to make a living from tennis. All of them may not become champions, their efforts should be applauded.
“I want to remain healthy, because in 2016 I want to create a record seventh Olympic appearance at Rio. I don’t know what is in store. Maybe with Vishnu, maybe Saketh or Rohan Bopanna, I dream of winning another Olympic medal for India.”
