In Dialogue: Leander Paes

iSporter Chirag Mansukhani is in awe of Leander Paes. He caught up with the Indian tennis ace post his Australian Open victory. An iSport special!

Think of tennis and more often than not the name Leander Paes will shoot right on top! Lee as he is often called shot to stardom with a series of triumphs with former doubles partner Mahesh Bhupathi.

Leander’s success story is a source of inspiration for one and all. Especially for the Gen Next kids who have grown up watching the Indian tennis ace achieve legendary status.

Leander first made headlines on the big stage when he won the bronze medal at the Atlanta Olympics making us proud. He then together with his long time friend and doubles partner Mahesh Bhupathi, burst onto the Men’s Doubles circuit making waves on the ATP Double’s Tour. There was no looking back as Lee went from strength to strength and won multiple titles in both the Men’s Doubles and Mixed Doubles events.

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Just recently, he notched up yet another Mixed Double Grand Slam victory with his partner Cara Black at the Australian Open, thereby also clinching his 11th Grand Slam success and equaling the record for the most Grand Slam victories by an Indian.

I caught up with Leander and was able to get his thoughts on his 11th Grand Slam title and a whole lot more. Read on…

Chirag@iSport: How does it feel to win your 11th Grand Slam title and equal the record for being India’s most successful Grand Slam player?
Leander: To be honest when I play the game, the last thing on my mind is the record I’m setting. Very little has changed in my style or preparation over the last few decades. However, every chance to represent India and bring home laurels is always great. It’s a mix of discipline, passion and fitness that has contributed to my longevity as an athlete.

Chirag@iSport: Which match in the tournament proved to be the toughest test for you?
Leander: That would have to be the semi – finals (Vs. Lisa Raymond & Wesley Moodie)

Chirag@iSport: Having entered in two events, you tend to play more than one match on a day. How do you cope with the stamina, energy levels and concentration required?
Leander: When I go into a Slam I’m mentally prepared for the workload and I prepare myself accordingly. I’m very disciplined about my fitness. I do a lot of yoga, meditation and even martial arts to contribute. I don’t smoke or drink so it’s altogether a commitment to be healthy & fit and I think that’s definitely what’s kept me going so long – physical and mental fitness. The Art of Living – understanding and learning this with Rhea has definitely contributed to my concentration and mental strength – which is so important in sport at very high competitive levels.

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Chirag@iSport: What is your favourite moment of this year’s Australian Open?
Leander: Winning it, of course!!

Chirag@iSport: What do you like the most about going to Australia?
Leander: I’ve had some really great experiences in Australia. Two of my coaches are Australian and I’ve lived and learned from them – Tony Roche and Bob Carmichael. I’ve lived in Melbourne and can say I have had only good experiences in that time. In fact one of my earliest successes came way back in the 90’s when I was in Australia and made it to the junior finals.

Chirag@iSport: It tends to get very hot in Australia, and some days the temperatures were more than 40 degrees. How did you cope with the heat factor and how much of a problem was that for you?
Leander: It’s not really that bad. I guess I’m quite used to it when I tour the amount I have to, the weather is just something you discount and ensure that you’re focused on the game.

Chirag@iSport: You have previously partnered Martina Navratilova and won Mixed Doubles titles with her as well. How did it feel to play with one of the greatest ever players in Women’s tennis?
Leander: Martina is an incredible player and has always been an inspiration to me! There was an age difference between us and her maturity was always a source of support for me. She was there a lot for me personally as well – even to the point of that 9pm call to just check I was doing ok. She’s always there and the first to congratulate me after a game. I’ve learnt a lot from her over the years!

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Chirag@iSport: Today, all the Tennis crazy children in India look up to you, and aspire to be a Leander one day. How does that feel?
Leander: That to me is one of the greatest aspects of being a national sporting icon – to know you can be an inspiration for children across India. I want to be able to make a difference in this life I live – and even if it is just to nurture and support and inspire other young sportspeople, I would be thrilled! In India we are great students – quick to grasp and emulate – I think if the same academic focus was put on to sport – we could rewrite the story of India on the world sports map.

Chirag@iSport: Since you are so keen to spread the word of sport across India – can you possibly share with us your efforts to give back to your sport of tennis.
Leander: While Tennis is what I love, I also focus on Brand Leander. Leander Sport, my sports marketing company in Bangalore, being one of these expressions of the things I want to do – to help, support and work on sports in India through infrastructure, athlete management, sports marketing & sports education content. I want to be able to make a difference from the position I have reached.

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Chirag@iSport: Would you like your daughter to follow your footsteps and be an accomplished tennis player one day?
Leander: Rhea and I would most like to see Aiyanna do and go wherever her heart takes her. She’s a really smart, caring child and while yes, she might have the athletic gene in her – I want her to only do what makes her happy! So in that sense we have no expectations of her to achieve this or to achieve that. I’m sure she will excel at whatever she chooses of her own free will.

Chirag@iSport: A message for your iSport fans!
Leander: This is what I try to live by – ‘be the change you want to see’. I think if we all do it, and consciously remember to give back to the country, the people and the system that brought us so far – things could be far better in the future.

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