Sending second team to Olympics unfair, says Paes in letter to All India Tennis Association
Here is the letter sent by Leander Paes to All India Tennis Association after both Mahesh Bhupathi and Rohan Bopanna declined to partner him at the Olympics.
- NDTVSports
- Updated: June 18, 2012 09:22 PM IST
Here is the letter sent by Leander Paes to All India Tennis Association after both Mahesh Bhupathi and Rohan Bopanna declined to partner him at the Olympics.
Dear Sir,
Ref: Selection of the Indian Tennis for the London Olympics 2012
I have been informed that both Mahesh Bhupathi and Rohan Bopanna have refused to play with me at the London Olympics. This is unfortunate, as we have laid down our differences in the past and had a successful doubles partnership on the ATP Tour and in the Davis Cup. The three of us had signed an agreement with the AITA to play unconditionally for the country. Besides, it is an honor to represent our country and one would have thought that this would have been a motivation for them to accept the AITA selection decision and participate in the Olympics.
When I sent you my unconditional participation in the Olympics, I believed we would put our best team forward for a Gold Medal. By setting up a second team as suggested by some u would create a situation where your no.1 player and the only Indian in the Top Ten ATP Doubles Rankings would have to play with the no. 5 Indian player. This would not be fair. ÂÂ
Thanking you,
Yours Sincerely
Leander Paes