Chennai Open
Statesman (Calcutta) — November 22, 2002

Chennai: 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 30 December to 5 January.

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 title, would not be available for the Tata Open.

“Max has said he wants to concentrate on singles,” Bhupathi, said replying to questions at a Press conference, which was held to announce the Tata Open 2003 here today. His announcement pours cold water on slim hopes that the most successful Indian pair might come together at Chennai.

Besides defending champion Guillermo Canas the main draw will also features the likes of Paradorn Srichaphan, Mark Philippoussis, Karol Kucera and Sjeng Schalken.