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Chennai: Doubles world No. 3 Leander Paes will take to the court in Chennai Open with a new partner — Edouard Roger-Vasselin of France — as he prepares to defend his title here for the third time in a row later this month.
At 39, Paes has had a good run in 2012 winning four titles, including the Australian Open (doubles) and reaching the finals at Tokyo and US Open.
And for the 29-year-old Frenchman, the year has brought three doubles titles, taking him to a career-best doubles ranking of 38. He, though, will finish the year at 43.
This is the first time the duo will partner each other in a tournament in which the Indian had won six times in 17 appearances.
“Paes and Roger-Vasselin are pairing up for the first time at the 2013 edition of the Chennai Open. While enough has been written and said about Leander, it will be a tremendous learning opportunity for Roger-Vasselin,” said tournament director Tom Annear.
“Going by their individual records and playing styles, I am pretty certain the duo will give the others a run for their money in this tournament,” he added.
Among other Indian players, world No. 11 Mahesh Bhupathi will play alongside world No. 5 Daniel Nestor while the No. 12 ranked Rohan Bopanna will be pairing up Rajeev Ram in the event. (Agencies)
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