Leander Paes-Purav Raja enter 3rd round of Australian Open after thrilling three-set game

Leander Paes and his partner Purav Raja entered the third round of the Australian Open 2018 tournament in a three-hour epic clash against Bruno Soares and Jamie Murray, the brother of Andy Murray

Leander Paes and Purav Raja entered the third round of the Australian Open with a thrilling 7-6 (3), 5-7, 7-6 (6) win over the fifth seed duo of Bruno Soares and Jamie Murray in Melbourne on Saturday.

Leander Paes and Purav Raja registeted a tough 7-6 (3), 5-7, 7-6 (6) win against Bruno Soares and Jamie Murray to enter the next round of the Australian Open (Getty Images)

It continued India’s great run in the doubles tournament with Divij Sharan and Rajeev Ram also entering the next round while Rohan Bopanna and his partner Édouard Roger-Vasselin have also reached the next stage.

The 44-year-old veteran had won the Australian Open in 2012 when he partnered with Radek Stepanek to beat the top seed Bryan Brothers of the United States. Paes and Raja will play Colombian duo Juan Sebastian Cabal and Robert Farah in the next round.

There has been growing speculation that Paes might call time upon his career but in September 2017, he brushed aside all rumours after winning a record 42nd victory in the Davis Cup encounter for India .

“I don’t have to prove anything to anyone, my career speaks for itself. At this stage I play because I love my tennis. I’m very passionate about being an athlete and the lifestyle it incorporates,” Paes said. “I’ve done my best when I’ve played for my flag. It gives me great joy and pride to play for my country, city and people. Even when I played individually, like in the Wimbledon I’ve played for my flag.”