Calcutta: Leander Paes could very easily be defined by his achievements on the tennis court. But that would just be half the story of a man who doesn’t even think twice before saying, “I have lost more than I have won in my life”.
That statement says a lot about someone who has 18 Grand Slam titles to his name.
It’s not something new though. The country, and beyond, has known Leander that way for years. But Tuesday evening served as a reminder to what being Leander Paes is all about.
The occasion was the felicitation of Hironmoy Chatterjee, the secretary general of the All India Tennis Association, at the DKS premises. But it was also Leander’s evening.
At 43, he is redefining what passion and energy means to a sportsperson. The man simply doesn’t get tired, not even after playing with 20-odd kids, smiling for innumerable selfies or giving countless hugs to friends.
No doubt then that retirement is far from his mind. “As of now I am very geared up to create a few more world records. I’m ready to go into my off season training coming up in December for three weeks. As you know, when I set myself a goal, I leave no stones unturned. I will get those records. That’s something I am training hard for.
“It’s been a long journey… Winning Grand Slams is just about numbers now. I like to challenge the body and mind, and that’s the reason I continue playing tennis. I really don’t have much to achieve anymore, much to prove anymore… But motivation is important, and that keeps me going,” Leander said.
“I have gone through probably ten generation of players. You have to evolve... That keeps me young and vibrant. One of my dear friends, Martina Navratilova, taught me how to keep rejuvenating and keep reinventing myself,” he added.
Having won all the Grand Slam doubles and mixed doubles titles, Leander feels his “showcase” is complete.
“With the French Open mixed doubles win this year, I have won every single Grand Slam doubles and mixed doubles titles that there were to win. That, coupled with my singles medal in the Olympics (bronze, 1996 Atlanta Games), the showcase is complete. It really is.”
He didn’t hide his hunger for records at this stage of his career. “Now I am playing for the history books. I have played the last Olympics to covet a record for India and myself, to get to seven Olympics. I hope someday someone breaks that record.”
Explaining further about what lies ahead of him, the legend said: “2017 will be a year of world records. There are couple of world records I want to achieve and that’s why I still go in there and put in the hard yards, which at my age is not fun anymore like it was when I was 19. But if you have to achieve something, you have to sacrifice. That’s something that Sourav (Ganguly) and I share… We have achieved what we wanted. Whether we are the most talented or not is irrelevant, but we are definitely the most hard-working.”
Leander said he has struggling to get the right men’s doubles partner. “It has been a tough few years in finding a new partner ever since my partnership with Radek Stepanek, with whom I played with for three years, got over. That partnership was magical. In the last few years, I have really struggled to find a compatible partner. In mixed doubles, I am doing really well with Martina Hingis and we have a great understanding and camaraderie on and off the court.”
Sourav, who was also present at the felicitation, heaped praise on Leander. “Leander is someone whom I call an absolute champion. His desperation and determination to reach the top have always stood out. I just want him to keep playing as long as he wants.
“He is in an individual sport, unlike me… I played a team sport, where even if you were good, you could be asked to go. But when I see Leander playing, I feel like I’m playing… He represents courage and determination. I believe he can win at least two more Grand Slams before he calls it a day. If he wants, I can train with him,” Sourav said.
Leander returned the compliment, saying: “Sourav’s endurance level has been remarkable. He has been the best captain for India… We all know how good a player he used to be, but I can also tell you what a humble and phenomenal human being he is. He is an athlete who has now become an administrator. He’s doing such a great job at the CAB. I’m very proud of him.”
Besides Sourav, among other notable dignitaries present were Naresh Kumar, Jaidip Mukerjea, Akhtar Ali, Chuni Goswami, Shyam Thapa and Pradeep Chowdhury.
Hironmoy, for whom the felicitation was organised, said: “I am honoured and touched with all the love and affection showered on me. I hope to get everyone’s support to carry out the responsibilities bestowed on me.”
Coming back to Leander… At the end of the programme, Leander evaded all attention to personally see-off Naresh Kumar, his mentor. That is exactly what Leander Paes is all about.
