India could pull off doubles magic
Although the country has had a drought in the singles, India’s doubles talent has been ruling the roost in recent years. 2015 saw Sania Mirza ascend to the top of the women’s doubles rankings with partner Martina Hingis, with 17-time Grand Slam winner Leander Paes also in form.
Paes, like Mirza, has partnered Martina Hingis to Grand Slam glory on multiple occasions over the past year. The 43-year-old almost did not make the squad, however.
Rohan Bopanna, courtesy his then-top 10 ranking in the ATP men’s doubles list, received a free pass to Rio 2016 – and with it the freedom to pick his partner; 38-year-old Bopanna had picked top Indian singles player Saketh Myneni, with AITA eventually overruling the decision in favour of Paes.
The two recently partnered one another to victory at their Davis Cup rubber in Chandigarh, so despite their personal differences, the two sporting professionals are able to partner each other effectively.
Sania Mirza’s doubles partner this year will be 22-year-old Prarthana Thombare, who has partnered Mirza to a bronze medal win at the 2014 Asian Games. With a pre-existing team chemistry for that pair, India can hope for strong performances in men's, women’s and mixed doubles.
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