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Dr Paes optimistic

Rifat Jawaid, in Calcutta

Dr. Vece Paes, former hockey Olympian and father of tennis ace Leander Paes, on Wednesday expressed optimism that his son will team up with Mahesh Bhupathi for the September Olympics, and the ATP World doubles championship, in Bangalore later this year.

Speaking exclusively to rediff.com, Dr Paes said Leander, who is undergoing treatment for his injured wrist, is awaiting his doctors' nod to get back to action.

"His(Leander's) doctors are expected to pronounce a final decision within the next couple of days. But I am quite optimistic about a favourable report from the physicians currently attending to Leander's wrist injury," Dr. Paes added.

The wrist injury forced the Indian ace to withdraw from his third round mixed doubles match at the French Open this year and also kept him out of the Wimbledon championships. Leander and his partner Lisa Raymond were seeded No. 2 in the mixed doubles at the French Open and had entered the third round, beating Nana Miyagi and Michael Hill 6-2, 6-3 in the second.

Dr Paes, however, refused to elaborate on the reunion. "I personally think that it would bring an the end to the duo's personal differences which had dethroned them of their top ranking unceremoniously. However, I have my own reservations as well, primarily because of our past experiences. One year ago, none of us knew that the world's most deadly duo in tennis will split, but they did. Therefore, I really do not want to make any comments in advance and am keeping my fingers crossed. All I can do now is to wish for their regrouping once again since this is good for both Leander and Mahesh."

Mahesh's father Krishna Bhupathi on Tuesday had told reporters in Bangalore that Dr. Paes had confirmed Leander's partnership with his his son in the forthcoming doubles meet. The senior Bhupathi, however, had added that he is yet to hear from Leander, who is currently undergoing treatment in Orlando.

Commenting on his telephone conversation with Krishna Bhupathi on Tuesday evening, Dr. Paes said: "Well, both of us share so many common things between us. We have always worked hard towards ensuring that our sons continued to play together on professional circuit. Even when our sons decided to break up, we tried our best to prevent this unfortunate happening. Therefore, when he called me last evening, I readily confirmed Leander's participation and really hope that the doctors' reports are favourable."

If indeed the Leander and Mahesh reunion takes place, it will be sheer delight for Indian tennis enthusiasts. It could mean a shot at the Olympics gold first and then the World doubles crown, which is being held outside the United States for the first time.