Chennai: Leander Paes is under no illusion. One of the greatest doubles players of all time with 18 grand slam titles (10 mixed doubles and eight doubles) under his belt, Paes said he was at the fag end of his career and helping the younger generation realise their dream was high on his agenda.
“At 43 I’m blessed to be playing at this level because most doubles players retire when they are 28-29. I have to thank my whole team who will help me with the last few months of my tennis career and post tennis career. It is the time right now to do something other than winning titles. I would like to create someone who is winning for the first time. I play for fun now because I’m very passionate about the game. There will come a point when the curtain comes down,” said Paes ahead of the Chennai Open 2017.
Paes would be playing in the Chennai Open alongside Brazilain Andre Sa, his 116th doubles partner. “Andre and I will play here after which we go to Auckland and later the Australian Open. Hopefully we have a few good results to keep the partnership growing, at least for a few more months if not for the whole season. Any new partnership takes some time to build,” said the 43 year old.
