The All India Tennis Association on Saturday turned a deaf ear to Rohan Bopanna’s choice of partner — Saketh Myneni — and paired him with Leander Paes for the men’s doubles event at the Rio Olympics.
Bopanna and world no. 1 Sania Mirza were picked for the mixed doubles while Sania will partner youngster Prarthana Thombare, India’s second highest ranked player at 205, in the women’s doubles.
Though Bopanna said he would “respect Aita’s decision” he added that “he is not compatible with the Paes’ style of play and they were not a good combination together”.
“I have chosen Saketh based on a careful weighing of whose game will complement mine at Rio, given my own skills, strengths and weaknesses. As you will see from my track record, I have consistently had success with partners who have big weapons, a serve, a forehand,” Bopanna said.
“In that sense, the ranking of the player in doubles is far less important than what he brings to the partnership. I have played with over 70 partners in my career and that has given me the ability to gauge what type of player works well with me and what doesn’t.
“I have much admiration for Leander Paes and his many achievements, but unfortunately we have not been able to put together a good combination despite our best efforts and I do not believe our styles of play are either compatible or complementary. Considering that this is a team event where two individuals need to gel together to do well, regardless of individual achievements, it is the team and the combination that matters,” he added.
Bopanna had conveyed his choice of partner to the Aita selection committee on Friday but Aita president Anil Khanna said Bopanna respected Paes and he had his reasons to partner Myneni.
“Bopanna respects Paes, he has given us his reasons why he would prefer Myneni. The men’s doubles team are more fortunate with Bopanna in the top 10 and Paes at 46. Our decision is merely based on the best medal prospect. The have differences but it was not that big that they cannot put them aside,” Khanna said.
“The nation comes first. Winning an Olympic medal is the biggest achievement in sport. We want to win as many medals as possible. Now we have a chance of getting two medals, in the men’s doubles and mixed doubles, thanks to Bopanna,” he added.
Paes in Davis Cup squad In a move to bring camaraderie between Paes and Bopanna, the Aita named a seven-member squad rather than the usual six for the upcoming Davis Cup tie in Chadigarh against South Korea from July 15 to 17.
Paes was included in the squad in the eleventh hour but the final team for the tie will be announced on July 5.
Olympic captain and Davis Cup coach Zeeshan Ali hoped that the players would gel together and find their rhythm for the South Korea tie, and be in top form going into the Rio Olympics. “We did not have Leander in mind for the Davis Cup because he had ruled himself out earlier. But keeping Rio in mind we have named seven players to accommodate Leander. That gives us a chance to interact, practice with him but I’m still not sure whether he will play or not,” Zeeshan said.
“The whole idea is to get together, prepare and get ready for the Olympics.”
‘Dream come true’ Paes was over the moon over his selection and said: “To play for the flag has always been the greatest inspiration for me. I am humbled by the love showered upon me by the people.
“Their overwhelming and unconditional support has been my pillar of strength and motivation throughout my career. The honour to represent India at Rio Olympics 2016 is a dream come true.”
