Leander Paes on ATP Challenger: I am in it to win it

On the eve of his first ATP Challenger on home soil after two decades, India's most decorated tennis player says he’s keen to sign off the season on a high at home

Leander Paes. Pic/Getty Images

India's tennis ace Leander Paes is a good 20 years older than what he was when he last played in an ATP Challenger event in the country, as he takes to the Balewadi Sports Complex today for the $50,000 KPIT Challenger. But 43-year-old, 18-time Grand Slam-winner says he is as nervous and excited as he was when he partnered Nitten Kirrtane in 1997 in Ahmedabad.

Paes is particularly excited about partnering Ramkumar Ramnathan, someone whom he has advised and groomed over the years. "It's great to support Indian tennis and great to play alongside some of the youngsters of our country. Ram is a great young kid who invests a lot of time and effort on his tennis and is doing pretty well in singles too. I've been advising him on his tournament selection in Europe and across Asia. We regularly also exchange discuss things like his serve, strokes, diet and even fitness. I'm looking forward to sharing the court with him for the first time," Paes told mid-day yesterday while on his way to Pune.

Ramkumar Ramnathan

Paes, currently ranked 55 in the world, has played in quite a few Challengers abroad this year in a bid to improve his ranking. Season highs include the completion of his career Grand Slam Leander Paes completed his career Grand Slam in mixed with Martina Hingis after winning the French Open title, besides participating in a record 7th straight Olympics, in Rio. The Olympics disappointment still rankles. "The Olympics was a big focus for me but obviously not to get the desired result was disappointing. I would have liked to ticked more boxer there," said Paes, who along with Rohan Bopanna made an inglorious first-round exit from the quadrennial competition.

The Pune Challenger however, holds special significance for the Atlanta Olympics bronze medal-winner. "I'll be playing in front of my home fans, so that's always a high. Then, this, in all probability will be my last event of the season. And finally, as a senior player, I feel it's my responsibility to do as much as I can to popularise the game in the country. It's great if I can play here and encourage and inspire a few youngsters."

Finally, the former Davis Cup skipper promises a treat to his fans. "It's an important tournament for me and I'm in it to win it. The doubles field is interesting. I'll play hard as I always do. It will be great to end the season on a high in front of my home fans."

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