Leander and Mahesh have been excellent for India despite their differences. But don't you think that these 2 guys are exceptions? How much has the Indian Tennis Federation (ITF)contributed to their sucess? Has the ITF trained them or hired a foreign coach for them in their forming years? The fact is Leander had a father who backed him against all odds while Mahesh learnt his tennis outside India. Our Tennis federation, similar to other sports federation, does nothing to groom youngsters. Not surprising we are having difficulties looking for replacements. What we are looking at is a bigger failure of our system on the whole. I will definately not expect great players to come out of the system.
I dont think leander or mahesh is goin to contribute much to the future of indian tennis as players, but as supporters/non-playing captains they have rich experience and expertise to pass on to the younger generation. The current situation is not due to a rift bw them... i think it doesnt look good on the part of Harsh and Bopanna to skip davis cup and play in circuit .. they have to decide whtr paying for the country comes first or their personal ambitions.. that was where leander and mahesh made the difference... without good talent coming up frm the junior level... no one can work wonders with the standards f indian tennis... nd the most likely scenario will b a story of diff captains and players finding it tough for the coming decade or so... a long way to go !!
It was already known that this young team will not do any miracl without the old and bold combination of Mahesh,Bopanna or Harsh Mankad; Indian tennis is greatly suffering currently due to the sad politics of Mahesh and Paes only. They must sort out thier problems and play for the nation. I had already spoken to the President of AITF Anil Khanna during my interview on the All India Radio(AIR) while doing the running commentary from AIR of the first Asian Hopman Cup tennis final in Hyderabad on 26th Nov.2006 to sort out Mahesh-Paes infighting to boost the Indian tennis in future. He was at that time positve to do something good.But the net result is before you all. I wish in next tournaments they become good doubles partner and play again which is not impossible but quite difficult. Best of luck Indian tennis. Engineer Ahmad Rais Siddiqi(Alig) International Radio & TV commentator, New Delhi India Mobile no;09868390783;Phone no;011 26941345(R) E amil; araissiddiqi@yahoo.co.in dt;09.02.07
It is absolutely right Mr. Jiten. Leander's attitude should change in order to field our best team for Davis cup. However, It is not to forget that he is one of the best players India has ever produced. The combination of Leander and Mahesh is best and none of the younger players are as hungry to win the matches as they were.
RE:Indian Tennis
by Don Khan on Feb 09, 2007 11:16 PM
leander's attitude was it boopati's. It all started when mahesh got so jealous of Leander having won a grand slam doubles with another partner and then getting to partner sani mirza in asian games doubles. it is this pissy selfish attitude of boopati which is costing india.
its just becasue of the leander's attitude that the actual players are not playing & instead of supporting him aitf should draft bhupati bhopanna & mankad in the side
RE:RE:players these days are bigger than the game
by jite n on Feb 10, 2007 09:13 PM
i dont get paid son for speaking the truth i like leander more than mahesh but if leander carries the attitude he is carring curruently he is heading for no where....
RE:RE:players these days are bigger than the game
by aveek ganguly on Feb 10, 2007 03:03 AM
u need to be taught about courtsey....u sound like a wild critics
RE:players these days are bigger than the game
by aveek ganguly on Feb 10, 2007 03:07 AM
Paes and Mahesh have to sort out their prob otherwise it will take long time to reach that level again. Thay did try to play together for India in teh past despite of difference but now it seem they cant take each other anymore. I would like to see Leander asking sorry to mahesh publicly...his outbrust against mahesh was also publicly. and then mahesh will be having the ball at his court
