Sport - Tennis

Possibly, their last shot at collective glory

The time has come for Leander Paes and Mahesh Bhupathi to simplify their presence in Beijing, focussing solely on an Olympic medal.

In many ways, the approaching climax will be a relief.

One dreams of a compensatory end to the climate of acrimony built over the years — a climax almost as spectacular as the spat itself, but there’s very little to suggest a fairytale finish.

What can one expect from the pair? It would seem a touch insular to draw it out merely as a battle within themselves as individuals and between each other.

The Olympics doubles field is denied the potent combinations of a Grand Slam draw, but the Bryan brothers and teams of Czechs and Slovaks who emerge when national glory beckons, are experienced and in rhythm. Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal will partner their less fancied countrymen, making for a motley bunch with potential.

Paes spoke of being “realistic about these expectations that we have,” of winning a medal. Their current combined form hasn’t been encouraging.

Their performances in the lead-up events have betrayed the obvious patchwork.

Davis Cup wins and an Asian gold in a limited field aren’t a fair enough indication of how things will pan out in Beijing.

But if nothing else, the stage could inspire a common sense of purpose. Paes knows the feeling, Bhupathi, having agreed to the partnership, will seek it.

How significantly can mutual differences and ego clashes steer the course of a set?

At 35 (Paes) and 34 (Bhupathi), muscle memory is strong enough, as is experience. But, trust is something else.

The memories of 2004 — when they lost the bronze to Croatia by a whisker — might not necessarily haunt them, as plenty has transpired thereafter. Relations worsened in public during the Asian Games, yet India brought home a gold medal. India — not exactly spoiled for choice — has sent its best possible combination.

Unlike other disciplines in the quadrennial event, an Olympic medal isn’t the pinnacle of achievement in tennis; but for Bhupathi and Paes it is a chance — in all likelihood their last, at collective glory.

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