Chemistry was great : Rohan Bopanna on partnership with Leander Paes

ByArun S Kaimal, SportsCafe Editor

07/17/2016

After securing a straight-sets victory in the men’s doubles match in the Davis Cup tie against South Korea on Saturday, Rohan Bopanna said that he and Leander Paes had a ‘great chemistry’ on the court. Bopanna also added that they will be ready by the time of the Olympics in Rio.

Bopanna and Paes, who have had a troublesome past, combined hands in the men’s doubles event and defeated the South Korean duo of Seong Chan Hong and Hong Chung 6-3, 6-4, 6-4 to help India secure a berth in the Davis Cup World Group play-offs. Speaking to the media after the win, Bopanna was all praise about the chemistry on the court between him and Paes.

"Chemistry was great. If it wasn't good, we could not have got such a convincing win. We did not push much and just made sure that we come out strong," Bopanna said at the post-match media conference, reported PTI.

Chemistry was great. If it wasn't good, we could not have got such a convincing win. We did not push much and just made sure that we come out strong."

Rohan Bopanna

Leander Paes and Rohan Bopanna have played in a total of seven matches together, winning four. The Bangalore-born player also added that the duo had trained together for a few days and will be ready by the time of the Olympics.

“We reach Rio two days before the start of tennis in the Games. We will prepare well. We will be ready for the Games,” said Bopanna, reported the Hindu.

Although Bopanna described the chemistry between the two as great, the lack of chest pumps between the pair found a way into one of the queries.

We reach Rio two days before the start of tennis in the Games. We will prepare well. We will be ready for the Games."

Rohan Bopanna

“If I also jump and he jumps, it will be difficult,” said the 14th ranked Bopanna, as he broke into a smile.

Leander Paes, on the other hand, praised Ramkumar Ramanathan and Saketh Myneni, who overcame tough conditions to give India a 2-0 lead on Friday.

"Ram came out and handled the pressure well. They did an excellent job under the conditions. The court was damp, soggy. It became a dog-fight, it was about fitness and mind. Lim is an Army man and we knew he's not going to stop until he falls down and that is exactly what happened.

"Overall, beating Korea 3-0 is never easy. They are a formidable force in Asia," Paes said, reported PTI.\

Also, read : Has India lost out on an Olympic medal because of Mirza, Bopanna, and Paes' stubbornness?