Bhupathi not to pair with Paes for Tata Open
Free Press Journal — November 22, 2002

Ace Indian doubles player Mahesh Bhupathi will have a new partner when he sets out to defend the title that he won with Leander Paes at the Tata Open 2003 to be held here from December 30 to January 5 reports PTI.

Ruling out pairing with estranged partner Paes, Bhupathi said: “I have not yet decided on my partner. I have a couple of options and will finalise within a week or so.”

Bhupathi, who has already announced Joshua Eagle as his partner for the whole of next year, also said Max Mirnyi, with whom he won this year’s US Open doubles, would not be available for the Tata Open.

“Max has said he wants to concentrate on singles,” said Bhupathi replying to questions at a press conference got up to announce the Tata Open 2003 here on Thursday.

His announcement purs cold water on slim hopes that the most successful Indian pair might come together at Chennai, from where they began their winning streak in 1997.

However, Bhupathi said he would not rule out Paes for the entire future. Paes and Bhupathi reunited for the Busan Asian Games where they lifted the gold. Asked whether he had quit singles, Bhupathi said: “I have shut out of singles. There is no point in wasting wild cards. There are many youngsters who can utilise the chances.”

On his future goal, he said: “I am playing with a new partner. First I have to get used to play together with him and start winning.”

On the Tata Open, Bhupathi said he felt good to be back in Chennai.

“Its very special place to me both professionally and personally. The field is the deepest ever and has a lot of very good talent. In all probability, Srichaphan could be the favourite.”