Focussing On Singles Way To Go For Indian Players: Leander Paes And Mahesh Bhupathi

Tennis legends Leander Paes and Mahesh Bhupathi are not in favour of more Indians choosing doubles over singles, saying the highest accolades in the sport go to individual performers. "No, why would we do that?" Bhupathi told PTI when asked if Indians should focus more on doubles. "We have not had a quarterfinalist in a Grand Slam of the singles since Ramesh Krishnan (in mid-1980s). I think that is where we should focus," he said, adding, "The bar has been set very high by us (in doubles). If you are going to try and beat that, it is going to take a few decades." "You have got to look at all different disciplines on its own, whether it is singles or doubles or mixed doubles -- it is all a part of tennis. (But) focussing on singles is the way to go because that is where the highest accolades are," added Paes on the sidelines of an US Polo Association event in Mumbai on Friday.

Paes highlighted the rise of this year's Wimbledon champion, Spain's Carlos Alcaraz — who also became the world No. 1 in a rapid ascend at the age of 20 — even as Indian players are forced to deal with basic issues.

"When you look at preparing youngsters for that (singles), it is very hard. You look at the Alcarazes of the world -- he is 20-years-old right now and he is already the No. 1. Our kids at 18-19 are still trying to come out of the juniors (level) to decide whether they are going to go to college or going pro -- it is a different world," the tennis legend with a total of 18 grand slam titles in men's doubles and mixed doubles said.

Paes said the country will have to be realistic with its aspirations.

"That is where realism has to come in to see the level of support, the level of encouragement, the level of training and the level of dollars