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What's the story?
Indian tennis veteran, Leander Paes, recently commented on his dreams to represent the nation in the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo.
At the age of 46, Paes continues to play doubles at an extremely high level. However, for the first time since 1994, the Indian tennis legend has seen himself drop out of the top 100 in the ATP rankings.
Nevertheless, Paes is undeterred by his steep fall and believes that he has the ability to represent India in the upcoming Olympic Games.
In case you didn't know...
Paes is one of the most successful doubles players of all time and has achieved the Career Grand Slam in both mixed and men's doubles.
By winning the Wimbledon mixed doubles title in 2010, Paes also became the first man since Rod Laver to win a Wimbledon title in three separate decades.
The heart of the matter
It is hard to believe that Paes has been playing tennis since 1991. When he started his career, the Indian competed alongside the likes of John McEnroe, and he is still going strong decades later.
This is a testament to his longevity on the tennis court and even at the age of 46, Paes is still dreaming of new records to set. He recently expressed his desire to become the first tennis player to feature in 8 Olympic Games.
"More than anything, I would love to bring India its world record of the most number of Olympics ever played in the sport of tennis. I have got that at the moment with seven Olympics and to take it up another notch and to represent India in eight Olympics in a row and make sure that the world record stays at home would be fantastic.
What's next?
It would be a wonderful moment for Paes and India if he does indeed manage to represent the nation in the 2020 Olympics.
Even though his current record of appearing in 7 consecutive Olympic Games does not look like it will ever get broken, playing in one final Olympics would be a tremendous way to draw the curtains on one of the greatest tennis careers of all time.
(Video credits: India Today)
