This is an incredible controversy. The Indian Tennis Federation is trying to force people to play the Olympic Games in London with Paes, but apparently everybody is refusing it. Before they tried with Buphati that barely talks with Paes (how on earth are they expected to compete together?), and now tey are focussing on Bopanna. The outcome? Nobody wants to partner with him.
Buphati has already threatened to skip the Games rather than playing with Paes and now it was Bopanna’s time.
“Over the weekend, I was approached by the AITA (All India Tennis Association) with a request to pair with Leander Paes as the AITA’s ‘second choice’ team,” Bopanna said “With all respect and humility, I have been unable to accept AITA’s offer and have communicated my decision to them in writing this morning,” he said.
“Since the beginning of the year, I have partnered with Mahesh Bhupathi towards playing together as a team at the Olympics. This was communicated to the AITA at every step and we were encouraged to continue to play together,” Bopanna commented. “Having played alongside Leander Paes only twice during my career, I recognise that as a team we are underprepared for the demands of the Olympics and … I could not accept AITA’s offer that we play together,” he added.
Amid a huge embarassment, Paes stated that he is ready to play with whoever is selected by AITA. He may have to pick a youngster somewhere if he wants to play the Olympics.
Everything sounds a bit sad for Leander… and the Indian Tennis. Let’s hope they can find a friendly solution.
