Problem with Paes-Bhupathi — Ego, money or Rico

Meanwhile, Leander is playing with Jan Siemerink in the US Claycourt Championship, currently on in Orlando.

It was 11 months ago that the Indian duo bagged their first Grand Slam victory at Roland Garros, on June 6, 1999. A month later, they added Wimbledon to their growing list of achievements. Almost a year later, their problems are big enough for them to be playing with different partners at Mahesh’s comeback event after a five-month injury lay-off and, despite, Leander’s erratic performance with an assortment of partners in the same period.

After the French Open win, when asked how neither of them seemed to be able to recreate their special brand of magic with other players, Leander said, "There’s a special pride I take when I play with Mahesh. There’s a special pride I’m sure he takes when he plays with me." He added that their "camaraderie" and "closeness" was the secret of their success.

But in the year gone by, there has been little talk of the camaraderie, except in the past tense, and though neither has said it, it was obviously the practical side of things and their still magical on-court chemistry that kept things going.

Why then, are they breaking up? They are India’s greatest sporting achievers outside of cricket. They made all four Grand Slam finals last year, somethingthat hadn’t been done by anyone in almost half-a century. They have 15 titles between them. Another five should take them into the top 10 list of doubles title-winners of all time.

So is the problem ego, money, or just `Rico? Last year the buzz was that Mahesh’s coach and friend and former Davis Cupper Enrico Piperno, who Leanderallegedly had a problem with, was the root of all their problems. The grist mill then had it that the duo had solved their problems with Mahesh supposedly showing Piperno the door towards the end of the year.

Leander said around the same time "You all know what the cause ofour problems was and that has been taken care of." But Mahesh obviously feels that he needs Piperno, as the latter is back with him. So if all the above is true, Leander cannot be happy.

But Leander had also stated towards the year-end, just after the news that Mahesh would be out for a while came in, that he was "a professional" and that "Mahesh would have to play with different partners" whenever he got back, before they teamed up together.

Logic therefore dictates, that Piperno is probably being used as an excuse. The real problem and wherever the fault lies, is obviously much bigger than him. And it is something that looms large above the immenseamount of money the duo stand to lose both through potential wins together and advertisements based on their togetherness. Or even the enviable distinction of being No. 1 in the world.

Mahesh did not say anything about the Davis Cup (India play Sweden in July) or the Olympics later this year. But given the statements the two have made in the past about their commitment to the country and the "Olympic dream", and the fact that they will need to play together to stand a chance, if not participate in the latter, then they may have no choice in the matter.

Leander’s search for a more permanent partner continues. He has changed more than a few in last six months. Maybe, after Paes’ erratic form in the past few months, the success at the Bermuda Challenger — his only one since the US Open final — has made him stick it out longer with Siemerink.

In the next three weeks, Mahesh will play the Rome Masters (beginning May 8), in Hamburg (May 15) and in St Polten, Austria (May 21). Leander will play in Rome, followed by the Jerusalem Challenger (May 15), probably in preparation for the French Open qualifiers (singles) in the week beginning May 21.

Ultimately, it is their lives and careers, whatever the Indian tennis fan may have to say or feel about the matter.