Difficult to partner Bhupathi before Asian Games: Paes

Indian tennis ace said he might go to Doha without playing tune up events with Bhupathi because of his ATP Tour commitments.

Indian tennis ace Leander Paes said he might go into the Doha Asian Games without playing tune up events with Mahesh Bhupathi because of his ATP Tour commitments.

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Paes said he had considered pairing up with his former triple Grand Slam-winning partner at the USD 380,000 Kingfisher Airlines Open but Bhupathi had already struck a successful partnership with Croatian Mario Ancic.

"I am going to partner Martin Damm (Czech Republic) in the winter and we are to play three indoor tournaments in Europe in the run-up to the World Doubles championships in Shanghai which we are focusing on winning," the 33-year-old said.

"Actually I thought of partnering Mahesh here in view of the Doha Asian Games but he had already partnered with Mario (Ancic) who are the favourites here and that option was ruled out.

"I looked at the draw here and found Aisam (Qureshi of Pakistan) who I admire for the way he plays, conducts himself responsibly on court and I decided to ask him," said Paes.

"I don't have the luxury of taking a different partner for three or four weeks with the Shanghai tournament coming up. I am working very hard for Shanghai," he said. MORE