Paes is one of India's realistic hopes to land a medal in mixed doubles with Sania

Despite having been there and done that for more than two decades now since turning pro in 1991, Leander Paes now faces perhaps the toughest test of his career, says a report in The Times Of India. Five days from now, the 30th Olympiad begins in London, and once again, Leander is one of India's realistic hopes to land a medal, in mixed doubles at least, if not in doubles. And he has to do that with a 'reluctant' partner.

“Sania Mirza, who has been forced to team up with the 39-year-old Paes in the mixed event at the Games, was keen to partner his estranged partner Mahesh Bhupathi instead. But thanks to the sordid saga of ego clashes preceding the tennis team's selection, what with Bhupathi and Rohan Bopanna both refusing to partner Paes in doubles, she was, in her own words, "used as a pawn" to barter peace between the warring sides. But though she expressed her anguish in no uncertain terms, she was gracious and mature enough to accept the 'arrangement' in the best interests of the country,” says TOI report, adding that one good thing about the pairing is that their games complement each other.

“While Sania's big strength is her fierce forehand from the back of the court, Paes' net-play is considered to be among the best in the business. Both are good grass-court players too, and with the tennis event being held in the green lawns of the All England Club, it's a big plus. Also, Paes made it to the mixed doubles final (with Elena Vesnina) at Wimbledon earlier this month, so that should be a big boost to his confidence.”

Meanwhile Thee Hindu reports that from the bleak scenario when just two players were selected by the All India Tennis Association (AITA) last month, India has managed to field seven tennis players for the London Games, thanks to the wild cards and the change of heart about fielding two men’s teams.

“Everyone, including Leander Paes should thank Mahesh Bhupathi for the healthy turn of events. For, world No. 5 Paes may have looked short-changed by being paired eventually with rookie Vishnu Vardhan, but the Atlanta Olympics singles bronze medallist, has got the best out of a bad bargain. The 39-year-old Paes, ready to be the first tennis player ever to compete in six Olympics, has as good a chance as anyone to win the mixed doubles medal with Sania Mirza,” writes The Hindu, adding that Paes is one of the finest in the world at the net on any tennis court, with breathtaking volleys particularly effective on grass, and Sania’s ground strokes could be potent as she had shown in winning two mixed doubles titles from three finals.

“Forget who will play the left court as both are right court players, Paes and Sania have to just divide the court horizontally rather than vertically,” adds the report.

LeanderPaes has said he knows what it takes to win an Olympic medal and will not distract himself by delving into people's expectations, thenegativities and the politics, says a report in The DNA.

Paes, who won the singles bronze medal in the 1996 Atlanta Games, said he would let his racquet do the talking.

When asked what he thinks about former Davis Cup captain JaidipMukerjea's comments that his chances of winning a men's doubles medal at the Olympics are very remote, Paes said he cannot deal with other's opinions.