Leander Paes’ exploits across the globe have earned him that respect, admiration and cult status in the tennis world. Which makes it worthwhile to mention Sanjay Singh.For over 14 years, Sanjay has been the one-man army looking after Paes. ‘‘I am his trainer, masseur, yoga instructor. I string his racquets too. I am the man who manages him backstage. Basically the aim is to free his mind from the nitty-gritty worries. To play at this level, you need to be mentally relaxed,’’ he told The Indian Express.The unusual association had an equally interesting beginning in 1991-92, when India hosted England in a Davis Cup tie in New Delhi. Sanjay, working as a fitness expert with Hotel Crown Plaza, went over with his uncle to the RK Khanna Stadium to see the Indians prepare.Incidentally, Ramesh Krishnan had a little niggle and the team trainer wasn’t available, so Sanjay offered help for a little stretch. Needless to say, the team trainer didn’t like what happened and snubbed Sanjay. Leander heard it and said ‘‘come with me,’’ he recalls.Traveling with Paes 36 weeks in a year, the fitness expert has come to know the tennis ace personally. ‘‘You tend to know each other very well when traveling so often. But here, it was more important to be a confidant to him,’’ he says, waiting for Paes at the NSCI courts for a practice session.‘‘If Paes has something in mind, he needs to get it out so that it wouldn’t affect his performance. We discuss everything, there are no boundaries. When we are on court we talk sport, outside we discuss other things.’’Elaborating, Sanjay talks of Paes as an excellent human being and communicator. ‘‘He’s a fantastic person and highly dedicated towards his training regime and tennis. To give an example, Paes hasn’t had sweets for the last two years. All through his years, I never had to drag him out to train. In fact, we have even trained at two at night. He’s got amazing energy level.’’With India due to take on China in a Davis Cup Asia/Ocenia Group 1 play-off starting March 4, the onus is once again on Paes to deliver. And while he will definitely give his best on-court, there will be another on the sidelines working as hard to ensure he does not falter.
