`We would like to win Olympic gold and get into history book

Q: What about Bjorkman?
A: Yes, while I would not like to pinpoint one guy as my options are still open, and it is still unclear in my own mind as to what I want, someone like Bjorkman, would be good. He plays singles seriously, but is totally committed to his doubles too. I work very hard on my doubles and would not be comfortable with anyone who didn’t give asmuch.

Q: You said you would prefer one partner, but with next year being Olympic year and teams pairing up accordingly, wouldn’t it be tough?
A: Yes, that would be a problem and I am looking at it. The first thing I’m looking at is someone for the Gold Flake Open. I’ve won that three years running and would really like to defend it again. And of course, this time will be tough as it’s the strongest field ever. After that, I’m looking at the Australian Open.

Q: Not necessarily the same person?
A: Not necessarily the same person. The Gold Flake Open is really close by, and many people I may think of as later partners, will not be coming here. So I will have to wait and see.

Q: Do you think you will be able to cope with your doubles without Mahesh and get your singles back in order?
A: I am clear on one thing. Being No. 1, I can do it with Mahesh or with anyone else. In the past I have had successful partnerships with (Kevin) Ulyett and (Sebastian) Lareau.

I have to beprofessional. My goals for this year are very clear try and maintain my doubles ranking, as doubles is my bread and butter; and get my singles back in order.

Q: Without Mahesh you would have to work harder on doubles to maintain the momentum. Realistically speaking, how would you be able to concentrate on your singles too then?
A: I have wanted to focus on singles next year and perhaps this is the time to do it. One option is to concentrate on singles and leave doubles alone till he gets back.

Q: Is that a serious option, you just said doubles is your bread and butter.
A: Yes, it is one of the options juggling in my mind. I am at a position where my decisions are not governed by money, but what I want to do next in my career. I wanted to win an Olympic medal, be No 1 in doubles and win a Grand Slam, and win Davis Cup matches for India. I have done that. The only thing that’s left really is singles.

Q: Coming back to Mahesh and you. You’ve had a turbulent year, where it’s beenincredible professionally, but you’ve gone through a major rift and then it looks like you’ve both gotten back together and things are going okay. At this time, how would Mahesh’s being out for a few months affect your relationship professionally and personally?
A: Hold on, I have to think about this. Okay, let me put it this way. Last year has been difficult and it has been a huge growing up experience. Mahesh and I have been very good friends for very long, since we were about 14, on court and off it. The problem happened as in the last year or so, our friendship became a little jaded. It became worse when people, outside influences, started to brew an unhealthy rivalry between us. Constantly asking, who is better? Healthy rivalry’s good. You know the difference when it’s healthy. But here, it wasn’t. Stuff like when we played each other on court and then whoever won, it should have been over after that. People didn’t let it finish. That was a major problem.

Q: So what happened?
A: Now,last year, we realised, after our problems and the rift, what was happening. We talked it over and settled our problems, we had to be professional and are still good friends. Like I said, it’s been a tremendous growing-up experience.

Q: Leander, what was the experience like, the growing up that is?
A: Well, actually, one has matured over the last three years, though last year was an eye-opener. It gave me lots of confidence in decision making, on and off the court. I had to adjust. I had to make several decisions at the end of last year, whether to concentrate on improving my singles ranking which was 72, or give the doubles everything.

Q: What prompted you to choose doubles?
A: I wanted to make good my words. The sole reason I partnered Mahesh in the first place was because I said four years ago that we could produce world beaters from within India, we could win a Slam and could be No. 1 at the end of the year. We did it.

Q: Was the decision to opt for doubles difficult earlyon?
A: Everyone who knew me told me not to do it. But I can be very stubborn. My foresight and stubbornness to stick to my decision to prove that Indians can be the best was justified. There has been a lot of sacrifice though.

Q: In what way?
A: See, 72 to 200 (ranking in singles) is a huge difference. I will make some points here in this event, but it still is a huge jump. I’ve sacrificed quite a bit for doubles. Though I’m glad we’re No. 1, given a second chance, I’ve often wondered what decision I’d make. That’s one reason I’m so eager to get back to singles play. I’ve beaten a lot of the world’s top players including Sampras (in Newport last year) and know I still have it in me to do well. I have the game. I don’t know, I may never get past 72 again, but I will give it my best shot.

Q: Would you find it difficult to get back with Mahesh whenever he gets back, especially if you’re still No. 1 and he isn’t?
A: No, I don’t think so. When I first began partnering Mahesh, I wasranked 65 in the world and he was 480 or so. I sacrificed a lot for him then and am willing to do the same again.

Q: So you do expect to be together again?
A: Yes. But next on Mahesh and my agenda is the history books. We have done a lot, won a lot, but we would like to win an Olympic gold and get into the history books. That is important. But, I’d like to say one thing. I’m really glad we proved to everyone that we are world beaters before Mahesh’s injury and not still have to do it now, when he will be out for a while.