Leander Paes: The evergreen ace
Complementing each other’s game
Age is said to be just a number for some. Indian tennis legend Leander Paes is definitely part of this some. Even at the age of 42, Leander is showing no signs of slowing down, let alone stopping.
One look at Leander’s performance along with Martina Hingis in the Wimbledon mixed doubles finals will show you exactly why this is the case. Paes and Hingis provided the perfect exhibition of how to play mixed doubles tennis, blowing away their opponents in the process. The Indo – Swiss pair outclassed their opponents, Austria’s Alexander Peya and Timea Babos of Hungary 6-1, 6-1 in a final that lasted a mere 40 minutes.
Though success in the mixed doubles format is usually down to the collective efforts of the team as a whole, the fact that some of the points and rallies won during Sunday’s final was down to the sheer individual brilliance of both Paes and Hingis was great to see. For instance, the accuracy of some of Paes’ serves forced short and weak returns from each of their opponents, which in turn allowed Hingis to close out the rally at the net, by hitting a winner.
Not only was Paes on top of his game during Sunday’s final, he also seemed to cover up for the few weaknesses that may have existed in his partner’s game. For instance, Hingis’ serve is not known to be as good as her game at the net, but Paes made sure that their opponents did not exploit this weakness by taking control of the rally at the net, and in most cases winning the rally and the point for his team. Having a partner who more than covers up for her weaknesses surely must have been more than reassuring for Hingis.
Leander blends well in any team
Having said this, in an interview after his victory in the final, Paes did suggest the fact that his successful partnership with Hingis could also be attributed to his role in this partnership, that of an anchor. This is also a role which he seemingly enjoys playing.
Along with this, Paes and Hingis’ success’ could also be stemming from the wonderful rapport they share between themselves both on and off the court. This was also evident in Sunday’s final as Paes and Hingis complemented each other exceptionally well not just during rallies, but also in between points.
In fact, Paes’ equation with each of his partners could also be seen as one of the factors behind his phenomenal success in both the doubles and the mixed doubles formats of tennis, but particularly more so in the latter. Further, this is one quality of Paes which has been acknowledged and appreciated by almost all his mixed doubles partners.
All said and done its obvious to see that Paes is still right on top of his game, even at the age of 42, and going by the way he is playing he still has more than a few years of tennis left in him. The best thing to do for tennis fans all over the world would be to enjoy, appreciate and salute this living legend for as long as he plays.
When he bids adieu, not just tennis fans, but also the game of tennis is certain to miss him.