CHENNAI: What a year India has had in tennis! If you believe the preceding sentence is meant in earnest, then you’ve probably been living under a rock. In fact, it’s fitting that 2016 is ending the same way it began—with plenty of drama.
The starring role, however, has changed hands from time to time, which seems to be recurring theme whenever the senior doubles stalwarts are involved. It begs the question—what kind of example are they setting for the younger batch?
In early January, Leander Paes stirred the hornet’s nest by stating that he was the best partner for both Rohan Bopanna in men’s doubles and Sania Mirza in mixed doubles at the Rio Olympics. Ranked outside the top 40 at the time, Paes’ words felt a little out of place, but then, the 43-year-old had also won three mixed Grand Slam trophies in 2015.
Despite Sania being ranked World No 1 on the back of winning two Majors the previous
year, he said: “She’s No 1 in women’s doubles, not mixed where she hasn’t reached a final.” The words drew criticism from most sides, barring Sania and Bopanna, who kept their cards close to the chest.
It was in May that Bopanna spoke up, requesting to be partnered with Saketh Myneni on the basis of being ranked within the top 10: “I have chosen Saketh based on a careful weighing of whose game will complement mine at Rio”.
While the former had the high ground, it sounded rich coming from someone who has just reached one Grand Slam final. The AITA chose to rule in favour of Paes. Nonetheless, Bopanna and Sania signed up for mixed. In what brought back memories of London 2012, both sides would seemingly be appeased that way.
In Rio, Paes arrived a day after the rest of the squad and bore the brunt of the media who questioned his commitment. But Paes’ argument wasn’t faulty either, he needed to get match fit and chose to focus his energies on World TeamTennis instead of the practice court. “We have problems, but we’re professionals. It’s like marriage. When husbands and wives have problems, they sort it out,” Paes had said then. But the men’s squad lost in the opener, but the mixed team had two bites at a medal, only to squander it. Despite the loss, Sania and Bopanna were vindicated.
Presently, Paes’ selection over Bopanna for the next Davis Cup tie has also caused some consternation. Can the highest-ranked Indian be sidelined like this? The AITA’s reasoning—based mainly on the previous clash against Spain—isn’t as sound as they believe. Even so, the association needs to make sure it’s in charge of the situation, not the players.