05 February,2010 09:08 AM IST | | Hemal Ashar
Leander Paes' recent Australian Open mixed doubles win with Cara Black has been followed by interviews and reactions where India's doubles ace has spoken about still having the hunger and fire to win. Even as I write this, a television channel is interviewing Leander for his thoughts post his eleventh Grand Slam doubles win.
It took me back to more than 15 years ago, when, reporting about a young Leander Paes and a not-so-young Ramesh Krishnan who had taken on Britain in a Davis Cup match in New Delhi. The contrast between the Indian doubles duo was stark and riveting too. The two won against the Brits but what was enthralling was the difference in temperament and style of play u2014 a mix of classical Japanese yin and yang u2014 the Zen philosophy, which states opposites can mix harmoniously and make a complete, lethal whole.
The sublime playing style would soon fade away, overpowered by the boom-boom of contemporary power play
When Ramesh Krishnan walked on court he did not look anything like the lean, mean, sinewy players of today.
In fact, he looked like his favourite meal is curd-rice but he exuded such calm that a sense of tranquility fell over the watching spectators. Paes in turn, looked feral, quick and lithe.
Paes was emotional during play. He was effusive and demonstrative after every point. A young, very athletic player, revelling in the game and mercurial at the net. Ramesh was water to Leander's fire u2014 fluid and with great touch; he seemed effortless on the court, camping a little behind Paes. There were audible gasps as the ball seemed to find the middle of Ramesh's racket and fly off, with Ramesh's flick of the wrist. It was touch tennis in all its aesthetic glory. The sublime playing style would soon fade away, overpowered by the boom-boom of contemporary power play.
Meanwhile, on another tack, it would be interesting if Leander Paes did a tell-all book on his doubles career one day. The real reason for the split with Mahesh Bhupathi, what he spoke to Cara Black during the changeovers.
Did they discuss Zimbabwe's political situation? Did former doubles partner Martina Navratilova ever tell Paes her stance on US gay military, 'don't ask don't tell' policy? Or her escape from the communist Czech Republic (Czechoslovakia then) to the freedom of US? Maybe one day Paes would decide now's the 'write' time.
