French connection

Lee-Hesh return to Roland Garros,the venue where they last won a Grand Slam together.

When Leander Paes and Mahesh Bhupathi return to the crushed red brick surface at Roland Garros early next week,Indias most successful doubles pair will feel nostalgic. The French Open will be a sentimental affair for the duo because twelve years ago it was at this venue that they won their maiden Grand Slam. Two years later they won the title again and it was to be their last Grand Slam triumph together before they parted ways.

Also of significance is Bhupathis 1997 triumph at the French Open in the mixed doubles,his first Grand Slam title. Though the French was the last time we won together,we have good memories from every Grand Slam weve played and won. But going to Paris in a couple of days means it will be good to remember that we won here together a decade back, Bhupathi told The Indian Express on Wednesday.

Their run-up to the French Open hasnt been ideal because of early exits,but in search of another Grand Slam title together the duo have decided to extend their latest partnership. Back together as a pair in January after nine years,Paes-Bhupathi will extend their courtship for the entire season,which will also include all the remaining three Grand Slams.

Weve decided to play all the Grand Slams together this year,and so far our overall comeback journey has been very good. Were still ranked pretty high,so lets see how it goes from here. Well definitely try to win at Roland Garros, Bhupathi confirmed.

Return with a vengence

When they first announced the renewal of their partnership this year,the official word was limited to them starting the season with the Chennai Open at home and then heading to the Australian Open. Winning at Chennai and reaching the final at Australia made them participate in the US hard court season and clinch their second title of the season at Miami Masters in April. The win made them the No.1 pair in the world.

Though they lost their first round match against big-serving Americans John Isner and Sam Querry at Rome Masters last week,Bhupathi believes he and Paes will raise their game

Our strength lies in us. Most of the time when we are playing together and playing well,we end up on the winning side. Fortunately,weve won on all surfaces and were giving it all it takes in terms of preparation right now.

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Bhupathi and Paes have 23 Grand Slams between them and they know what it takes to reach the pinnacle at a major. Twenty years of playing in Grand Slams and both of us know that you have to play really special tennis to win one. Everybody comes to a Slam with their best preparation and they all want to win. Well be heading to Paris soon for some more practice and should be well prepared for our first match, Bhupathi said.

Their decision to extend their partnership for the full season means it wont be the last time opponents face the Indian duo across the net in a Grand Slam.