At 42, Leander Paes is still the toast of Indian tennis. And here, he talks about the game, films and more...
Leander Paes
He is absolutely class personified as he greets everyone amicably, flashing a well-rehearsed smile and looking leaner than ever. Within just a few seconds into a conversation with this 42-year-old modern legend of Indian sport, you know you’re in the company of someone special — and what’s even more delightful? He can’t just stop talking about “home”.
“I lived in Chennai for over five years when I was a teenager before going off to the US, and I absolutely loved my time here. Ever since then, it’s been one of my favourite hunting grounds — and I enjoy catching up with my friends from school as well, whenever I visit. In fact, I gave tourneys in Brisbane and Doha a miss, to be here instead now! As for the language, I can understand a bit of Tamil... but I confine myself to cheering for Rajinikanth!” he says.
Part of the Chennai Open, ‘Lee’ seems to be hitting peak fitness form right before the upcoming Rio Olympics in August — what’s his mantra? “Age is just a number. The tennis ball doesn’t know how old the person hitting is, does it now? I’ve learnt so much, playing with greats like Martina Hingis and Navratilova, who recalibrated their careers and methods as they got older.
“My core team, including my dad, who is also my doctor, has been with me for decades — and that has helped me to maintain my body in peak form. I keep pushing boundaries to honour India and our fans of the game,” Leander adds.
He’s also wary of youngsters in the game nipping at his heels — “There are plenty waiting to take my Davis Cup Spot. But I’m confident enough to state that I can win a second Olympic medal and more Grand Slams.”
All his partners in the game have been special, Leander adds, and it’s evident that his love for tennis is still shining through “Sport is something that crosses all boundaries and barriers, and I believe in rewriting the history books through my contribution to it. I always say this — The right shot at the right time can change everything. I’ve learnt that as a student of the game, from all my (100 and more) partners such as Nadal, Murray, Wawrinka, etc. In fact, seven generations of players have come and gone and throughout the years I’ve been around!”
Outside tennis, Leander has always dabbled in other ventures, but his film debut, Rajdhani Express (2013) pretty much derailed off the tracks immediately. Would he ever act again? “Of course! The silver screen is a wonderful medium — an art form, which I’d be delighted to take on. In fact, I’d love to tell the story of my life titled Lionheart (the meaning of his name) make it into a script, and if possible, star in it as well. I learnt from my mistakes on the first attempt during Rajdhani… In fact, the story was changed seven times! Next time, I’ll ensure a strong production team is in place and the script has to be solid,” he concludes.
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( Source : deccan chronicle )
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