Leander Paes all set for a comeback, sets sight on major events

Legendary Indian tennis player Leander Paes has his eyes set on the major tennis tournaments. With the French Open, Wimbledon and Tokyo Olympics lined up, Paes revealed that he has started training with an aim to participate in the mega events.

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"I am aware of the French Open, the Wimbledon and also the Olympics. The three big ones in the near future and that's what I will be focusing on," he said. "I have always been a patriot and believe that the only best players should represent the country," the 47-year-old said while referring to the Olympics.

Paes was all set to draw curtains on his international career in 2020 but the Covid-19 pandemic stunned the world. With all the sporting events suspended, Paes got an opportunity to relax and think about his career. He revealed that the break motivated him to make a comeback. 

"By the end of 2019, I was jaded and tired from all the travelling and playing at the highest level. The enforced lockdown helped me spend quality time with my dad, my mom, my daughter and I was rejuvenated," said Paes. "I have begun training hard, back to my diet and have lost 6 kgs in three weeks. I am getting back into my rhythm," he added.

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The 47 year old is the co-owner of the Mumbai Leon Army in the Tennis Premier League and a mentor of the event. He reckoned that events such as TPL will help the sport to grow in India.

"Besides providing a much needed platform for our players to showcase their talent, the TPL also brings an entire community together, with the owners, celebrities, sponsors, mentors, coaches and players, which is so important for a sport to grow," he said.

He further backed Rafael Nadal to break Roger Federer’s all time Grand Slam title record by winning the French Open but added that Novak Djokovic would better all records.