Bopanna opts for Myneni
Pragya Tiwari, June 11, 2016, New Delhi, DHNS
Tennis : Selection committee to pick Rio side today
The selection of Indian tennis team for Olympic Games has rarely occurred without a dash of drama. And just when one thought this year to be an exception, the tradition has resurfaced again.
Rohan Bopanna, by the virtue of being a top-10 player, has stated his preference in the men’s doubles to be Saketh Myneni, and not multiple Grand Slam winner Leander Paes ahead of the AITA selection committee meeting here on Saturday. It, though, would be a surprise if Paes could be stopped from playing in his seventh Olympics, keeping in mind his second best Indian ranking of 46 in the men’s doubles, a stellar record and a staunch backing of the AITA.
The AITA officials, too, are keen in dousing any sparks which might flare up in reviving the ugly memories of 2012 London Games.
“Rohan has only stated Saketh Myneni as his preference which he is within his rights to do so. He has written an open ended letter to the AITA, and has left the final decision to the selection committee. Without a doubt, it is the selection committee who will be the final authority in picking the best doubles team for the country,” a source told Deccan Herald.
Earlier on Friday, Bopanna issued a brief statement, without naming his preference. “A direct acceptance provides me the right to nominate my men's doubles partner, an opportunity for me to exercise my judgement as to the best possible partner for me. I have, earlier today, communicated my decision to the AITA. I am looking forward to the support and good wishes of all concerned in the lead up to the Olympics,” Bopanna, who would be playing in his second Olympics, said in his statement to the media.
The selection committee, however, is certain to name Paes as Bopanna’s partner for the Rio Games.
“There is no doubt that Leander is the best choice. He is better than anyone in the fray. It is a logical choice. Leander has done a lot for the country, he is still winning Grand Slams and deserves to go to the Games,” one of the AITA selectors said.
Bopanna and Myneni have partnered in three Davis Cups, posting wins against Chinese Taipei and South Korea in 2014, but lost in their last appearance which was against New Zealand in 2015. The 28-year-old Myneni is ranked 125 in the doubles and returning from a shoulder injury. He lost in the singles second round of grass court challenger in Surbiton, Great Britain on Thursday. Bopanna is currently participating in the Ricoh Open with Nicolas Mahut of France, the two reaching the quarterfinals on the day.
Paes and Bopanna last played together in the Davis Cup tie against Czech Republic and the result was a disappointing, lopsided loss to Adam Pavlasek and Radek Stepanek.
Paes, who had won the Roland Garros mixed doubles trophy with Martina Hingis last week, on Tuesday had termed his partnership with Bopanna as the best bet for India.
The selectors will also be picking the combination for the mixed doubles which in all likelihood would be World No.1 Sania Mirza and Bopanna. Sania has also sent her preference to the AITA.
Davis Cup side
The selectors will also be picking the side for India’s Davis Cup Asia-Oceania Group I tie against South Korea from July 15-17 at Chandigarh.
It has been learned that Paes, too, has expressed interest. “However, we will have to discuss his inclusion. It is only now that we are hearing that he has expressed his interest,” one of the selectors said.
Rohan Bopanna, by the virtue of being a top-10 player, has stated his preference in the men’s doubles to be Saketh Myneni, and not multiple Grand Slam winner Leander Paes ahead of the AITA selection committee meeting here on Saturday. It, though, would be a surprise if Paes could be stopped from playing in his seventh Olympics, keeping in mind his second best Indian ranking of 46 in the men’s doubles, a stellar record and a staunch backing of the AITA.
The AITA officials, too, are keen in dousing any sparks which might flare up in reviving the ugly memories of 2012 London Games.
“Rohan has only stated Saketh Myneni as his preference which he is within his rights to do so. He has written an open ended letter to the AITA, and has left the final decision to the selection committee. Without a doubt, it is the selection committee who will be the final authority in picking the best doubles team for the country,” a source told Deccan Herald.
Earlier on Friday, Bopanna issued a brief statement, without naming his preference. “A direct acceptance provides me the right to nominate my men's doubles partner, an opportunity for me to exercise my judgement as to the best possible partner for me. I have, earlier today, communicated my decision to the AITA. I am looking forward to the support and good wishes of all concerned in the lead up to the Olympics,” Bopanna, who would be playing in his second Olympics, said in his statement to the media.
The selection committee, however, is certain to name Paes as Bopanna’s partner for the Rio Games.
“There is no doubt that Leander is the best choice. He is better than anyone in the fray. It is a logical choice. Leander has done a lot for the country, he is still winning Grand Slams and deserves to go to the Games,” one of the AITA selectors said.
Bopanna and Myneni have partnered in three Davis Cups, posting wins against Chinese Taipei and South Korea in 2014, but lost in their last appearance which was against New Zealand in 2015. The 28-year-old Myneni is ranked 125 in the doubles and returning from a shoulder injury. He lost in the singles second round of grass court challenger in Surbiton, Great Britain on Thursday. Bopanna is currently participating in the Ricoh Open with Nicolas Mahut of France, the two reaching the quarterfinals on the day.
Paes and Bopanna last played together in the Davis Cup tie against Czech Republic and the result was a disappointing, lopsided loss to Adam Pavlasek and Radek Stepanek.
Paes, who had won the Roland Garros mixed doubles trophy with Martina Hingis last week, on Tuesday had termed his partnership with Bopanna as the best bet for India.
The selectors will also be picking the combination for the mixed doubles which in all likelihood would be World No.1 Sania Mirza and Bopanna. Sania has also sent her preference to the AITA.
Davis Cup side
The selectors will also be picking the side for India’s Davis Cup Asia-Oceania Group I tie against South Korea from July 15-17 at Chandigarh.
It has been learned that Paes, too, has expressed interest. “However, we will have to discuss his inclusion. It is only now that we are hearing that he has expressed his interest,” one of the selectors said.
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