Tennis great Leander Paes recently revealed his intense preparations for the Tokyo Games, which would mark his eighth straight Olympic outing. This follows his 2019 announcement of 'One Last Roar,' where he declared that the Tokyo Olympics would be the final chapter of his professional playing days.
Indian tennis icon Leander Paes recently said he is preparing hard to participate in his eighth straight Olympic appearance in next year’s Tokyo Games. Earlier in 2019 Christmas Paes announced his ‘One Last Roar’ tagline, saying 2020 will be his last season as a professional player ending with the Tokyo Olympics.
While speaking at a promotional event, he mentioned that although the pandemic was unexpected, the extended break has been a blessing, ensuring he is in peak mental and physical condition.
He stressed that his primary goal throughout his 30-year career has been to ensure India earns a lasting place in the annals of sporting history.
Despite being 48 years old by the time the Tokyo Olympics arrive, Paes is fully motivated to compete. He believes that by participating for the eighth time, he will secure a world record for the most Olympic appearances in tennis for any Indian athlete.
Paes' legacy includes winning India's sole Olympic medal in tennis back in 1996 in Atlanta. Regarding his age, he maintains it's just a number, arguing that success on the court depends on power and spin rather than the date on a birth certificate.
Speaking about the age he said it is just a number. A tennis ball doesn’t understand age but only power and spin.
When questioned about his preferred partner—whether it be Divij Sharan or Rohan Bopanna—Paes noted that he has already played alongside Mahesh, Rohan, and Sania at the Olympics. His main priority now is simply representing India and achieving that eighth-appearance record; he is open to partnering with anyone, including Rohan, Divij, or Ankita Raina.
The 18-time Major winner is also chasing another significant milestone: reaching 100 Grand Slam main draw appearances. Having already set a Davis Cup record with 45 doubles wins this year, Paes is now just three appearances away from the century mark in Grand Slams and is determined to reach it.
He is currently awaiting the release of the official tournament calendar. With the Australian Open already delayed, there is still uncertainty about the schedule. Paes closed by expressing his hope for a swift vaccine rollout so that the world can return to normalcy.