MUMBAI: Beijing is his final destination but the journey at present is to Doha. Keeping aside his personal goals, Leander Adrian Paes is focusing on the Asian Games. His target is not one but two medals in Qatar this December.
Paes, the Atlanta Olympics bronze medallist, who had won the doubles gold with Mahesh Bhupathi in the Busan Games in 2002, wants a medal in singles too this time. He and Bhupathi, the defending champions, will be top seeds in doubles in Doha.
Paes thinks his gruelling five-set win in the deciding singles rubber against Pakistan in the Davis Cup has rekindled his hopes in singles.
“I feel I have enough singles potential left in me still and I want to go for gold in singles and doubles. Like any countryman I too want our National Anthem to be heard loud and clear.”
Paes was in the city on a brief visit. He leaves for Washington on Thursday for his preparation for the US Open. In between his busy schedule, he spoke to DNA on a few issues, including Bhupathi’s olive branch.
“Mahesh will be there in Doha and we will give our best for the country,” he said, refusing to commit to his one-time partner who recently expressed desire to pair up with Paes on the Tour.
“I’ve a one-year contract with Martin Damm and we’re getting along well. We hope to continue for another year. “ Paes and Damm were the finalists at this year’s Australian Open.
“We have a good chemistry and I hope our association will prevail for some more time,” Paes said. When asked specifically on Bhupathi’s offer, Paes said: “I am looking forward to playing with him in Doha.”
Doha will be Paes’ fifth Asiad and he feels proud about it. “It gives me immense pleasure. Representing the country six times at the quadrennial games is something very special.”
Before the US Open next month, Paes will be playing in five tournaments, including the Toronto and Cincinnati Masters.
