Click to play videoDoha: From Grand Slam glory to Olympic dominance, they have done it all for India.
Yet, just moments after winning yet another titanic battle to fetch India the Asiad doubles gold medal, Leander Paes and Mahesh Bhupathi got involved in a duel that might just break down Indian tennis. It was perhaps the last time fans got to see the Indian Express together.
The proudest moment for any Indian. Heads held high, passion streaming out; Leander Paes and Mahesh Bhupathi presented a picture of a vibrant Indian tennis scene as they received their Asiad gold medals.
But moments later, a seismic shock ran down the euphoria.
"He has made a comment saying that he'll never play with me again. I'm not going to go and beg anybody. I'm happy that I've won the gold here. If it is the road for the Indian Express, I'm glad that it has gone out on a high. We've had a great career together and going out on a high is important. So, I think we should forget about talking of the Olympic gold, because it's clearly not happening with both of us," Bhupathi says.
Leander and Mahesh have not had the best of relationships ever since they split up as a pair. But when it came to playing for India they put their differences behind them.
But on Wednesday, "Yes, it was not a fun 10 days for me," Bhupathi says.
It seems they have reached a point of no return.
"Well honestly, I have been living with his comments for the last 12 years. Rohan (Bopanna) really stepped up to the plate and told (Leander), 'Sir, what is going on?' He also said he didn't want to play with him (Leander)," Bhupathi says.
Leander didn't waste much time trying to defuse the situation. He says the comments made by him earlier this week were not personal but just a tough call by a captain.
"The problem is that there are other people around for their own benefits, they basically say this and say that. 'Oh Leander said this about Mahesh and Mahesh said that about Leander' that causes trouble. I was asked after the doubles today as to whether I would play with Mahesh on the 2007 ATP Tour. I said 'no', because I have a steady partner in Martin Damm. I am sure that what was told to Mahesh that made him react was not the truth. So lets not even hold Mahesh responsible for what he said right now," Leander says.
Lack of proper communication is one reason why Mahesh and Leander always seem to be on different sides. Their relationship has seen many lows. But still, they manage the results. This latest flare-up too, can be resolved. All it will take is two men to sit down and talk. If they don't then it won't be the best ending for a pair who once had the world at their feet.
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