Tennis | Passion for the sport keeps me going, says Leander Paes

Leander Paes participated in Australian Open in both men's doubles and mixed doubles events but was ousted in both these events in early rounds. While Paes along with his partner Samantha Stosur reached the pre-quarterfinals of the mixed-doubles event, the Indian and his men’s doubles event partner Miguel Angel Reyes-Varela could not get past the first round in the men’s doubles event.  

Even though Paes is in the twilight of his career, there are a fair number of spectators who throng to the stadium to watch him play. He also revealed that even at this stage of his career he is still a highly sought-after player and also provided an example.

"This time in the locker room I have got 23 guys who have asked me to play. It's been quite fun," he said.

In 1996, a young Paes had won a singles bronze medal at the Olympics and since then has won 18 Grand Slam titles. But now he has stated that he has started taking up modern training to keep himself fit.  

Paes has started to decline steadily in the doubles ranking and is currently placed in mid-sixties. But he asserted that he will improve and work to make a comeback to the top fifty rankings. He also hinted that maybe one day he will retire but right now the thought has not crossed his mind.

"One day it will come to an end for sure, I know that. Everything that starts comes to an end, that's just the circle of life. But as far as I am concerned I have never ever quit in my life. I am going to be 46 in a few months but I feel fit, I feel strong, I feel healthy and happy. I am living my dream."