Paes looking forward to meeting ‘better half’

It’s the morning after, and Indian icon Leander Paes — easily the number one crowd favourite — is packing his bags. When The ...

It’s the morning after, and Indian icon Leander Paes — easily the number one crowd favourite — is packing his bags. When The Indian Express caught up with him, he started with a basic ‘‘What da. How’s life?’’ ‘‘Life has to go on,’’ he says on his and partner Nenad Zimonjic’s loss at the Chennai Open semi-finals, as he readies to leave for Sydney before the first Grand Slam of the year — the Australian Open. He says a lot about many other things as well…. Excerpts:

Do you think your opponents targeted Zimonjic, which led to the result?

Of course they did…and to good effect. In fact it’s always been the case. They know my reputation as a regular doubles player. It’s happened when I was with Mahesh Bhupathi and then David Rikl. I guess that’s the best way to effect my downfall.

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Were you satisfied with the way you combined with Zimonjic?

I have always said it takes time to settle. The more we play the better we will get. This was good preparation to that type of development. Yes, it worked well, though I must say we’ve just played three matches…there’s a season ahead.

After the loss you had a long session on court with Zimonjic…

Yeah. He was disappointed, and I had to do some explaining, and I guess the best healer in a situation like that was to talk, talk and talk.

What do you expect from Zimonjic now?

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Look, even if he does not get me the winners it’s okay. All I want him to do is first make the ball, the rest automatically falls in place. The more he does that, the more mentally prepared I can get during the game.

Which means that his power was ineffective?

Not exactly. Let’s agree he still has a long way to go. Power is not what doubles is all about. It’s just one element. Having said that, it’s one point during the match that makes a difference.

Overall, how has he been as a partner when compared to the rest you have played with?

All have been different. Right from the time I began. With Kevin Ullyett of Zimbabwe, Mahesh, and (David) Rikl…they are all so different. Zimonjic has a long future.

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So now it’s Down Under and back with your ‘idol’ (Martina Navratilova)?

I’m looking forward to that. Not just for playing but also to bring her to India, which she is eagerly looking forward to. It’s an unfinished agenda I had planned long back.

What’s her take on coming to India?

She’s already told me that she is keen. It could be February or by the yearend.

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