People can defy age and achieve the unachievable by sheer
determination and perseverance. At the age of forty when people start worrying
about midlife crisis, Indian Tennis star Leander Paes has created history by
becoming the oldest player ever to win a grand slam by clinching the US Open
Men’s Double Title. Winning a grand slam is no mean task especially at a time
when the game of tennis is dominated by absolute muscle strength and powerful
service games. Moreover to excel in any sport, both physical and mental fitness
play a significant role. This implies that a player must be both physically fit
and mentally assertive and motivated. Success allures man, but ultimately it
accedes to realm of a talented individual. Usually we find successful sportsman
whose most fruitful period lasts for 2-6 years or at the maximum 10 years. But
to sustain in the field for more than decades the person have consistency,
great perseverance and discipline. Longevity is not guaranteed in this field
and to perform steadily individual has to work extremely hard.
Leander Paes won 14 grand slams which include 8 doubles and 6
mixed doubles titles. He has several distinctions to his credit. He represented
India for the past 20years (1992-2012) in Olympics which in itself speak of his
ability and agility on the court. After Rod Laver Paes has the unique
distinction of holding Wimbledon trophy in three different decades. He has
played 30 slam finals over a period of 21-22years. It is the longevity which is
quite impressive rather than the number of victories/titles over his career
span. He won an Olympic bronze medal in 1996 Atlanta, first individual medal
won by any Indian after a span of more than four decades last was in 1952
Helsinki games. He started his tennis career by winning the prestigious junior
Wimbledon &US Open title in 1990. He slowly rose to no 1 in juniors’
category. His stint as a tennis player in singles wasn’t promising. He soon
shifted his focus to doubles and started earning all the laurels he is destined
for. After teaming up with Mahesh Bhupathi for doubles, they had a dream run
and even reached the no 1 spot in doubles.
Together they clinched several titles including Wimbledon and French
Open and had highest rate of success as partners. He was recipient of highest
sports award Rajiv Khel Ratna 1996-97, Arjuna Award 1990 and Padma Sri 2001.
Having played for more than 2 decades he has become a seasoned player, he is
best known for his drop shots and volleys. His greatest strengths are the unique
strategies and magical net play. He is known to have a strange playing style.
He has partnered with record number of 94 players in doubles and 22 players for
mixed doubles titles. He is known for changing partners and experimenting with
them.
Apart from ATP series, he is an active player in one of the
franchises, Washington Kastles in the World Team Tennis. This team has been
most successful and claimed the WTT championship four times. Paes was named as
the Most Valuable Player in 2009 and 2011. Recently this team has been invited
by President Barrack Obama, for a special dinner at White House.
Sometimes it is all about the hard work and effort we put in
a work that matters. No matter the
rewards, keep working seems to be basic punch line of Leander’s life. Next on
his agenda is representing India in the Rio Olympics 2016 for the record 7th
time at the age of 43. What an incredible feat it would be in life????? Hard
work, resolve and conviction seem to be the mantra for a prolonged innings....
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