Will try to convince Paes if needed: Vardhan
June 20th, 2012 - 8:36 pm ICT by IANS
New Delhi, June 20 (IANS) India’s young tennis player Vishnu Vardhan Wednesday said he would try to convince veteran Leander Paes to play alongside him at the London Olympics if the need arises.
Vardhan is in the running to partner Paes after Mahesh Bhupathi and Rohan Bopanna refused outright to share the court alongside the 1996 Atlanta Games bronze medallist.
The All Indian Tennis Association (AITA) is racing against time to sort out the selection row as the International Tennis Federation’s (ITF) deadline for players entries ends Thursday.
“I am ready for the challenge if the need arises. I am sure AITA is considering all the options and they will pick the best team,” said Vardhan.
“I have grown up watching Leander and Mahesh and they have done so much for the country in the last 20 years. However, I am ready to play if they ask me to,” Vardhan, world No.328, told television channels.
Vardhan said he had not spoken to Paes yet but would try convince him if AITA decides to sent two teams to London with the other one featuring Bhupathi and Bopanna.
“He (Paes) always helps me out with my tennis and we have been in constant touch. But I have not spoken to Leander on the Olympics yet. Probably I will call him now,” said Vardhan.
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- Paes confirms participation at London Olympics - Jun 29, 2012
- Sania tears apart AITA, doesn't spare Paes and Bhupathi (Lead) - Jun 27, 2012
- Maken retreats; AITA, Bhupathi back to square one (Roundup) - Jun 19, 2012
- AITA keeps players happy; to send two teams for Games (Second Lead) - Jun 21, 2012
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- AITA picks two teams for Olympics, Paes still unhappy (Roundup) - Jun 21, 2012
- Paes to play with Vishnu, Bhupathi-Bopanna team up (Lead) - Jun 21, 2012
- Sania slams Paes for demanding 'written assurances' - Jun 27, 2012
- Mahesh Bhupathi opts out of Davis Cup tie - Mar 06, 2012
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Tags: aita, atlanta games, constant touch, India, indian tennis, international tennis federation, itf, leander paes, london olympics, mahesh bhupathi, New Delhi, olympics, racing against time, rohan bopanna, s young, television channels, tennis association, vishnu vardhan, young tennis player