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Leander Paes Greatest Comeback and Worst Blown Lead
2 Comments · Posted by Scoop Malinowski in Articles, Scoop
“My greatest comeback in matches? You know, matches come and go. You win and lose matches. For me, everything’s about persevering. I think, as an athlete, it’s things behind the scenes that are important, like right now we’re sitting here talking about the match I won. Actually, about ten minutes ago, for the last half hour, I’ve been doing abs and back (exercises). And that was a lot harder than playing the match today. After playing two matches yesterday, playing today, doing the homework is what’s really important. So comebacks – it would just be the way that I keep rejuvenating myself. I mean, at 39, I feel like a young, lil spring chicken. I feel happy out there, to go out and keep playing. Age is really just a number. Just to push the body, to keep it young, keep it healthy, do it natural. That’s the joy of tennis.”
Worst Blown Lead: “I was about 14. I was up 6-2, 5-0. I lost it. That’s one of them [smiles].”
(This “Greatest Comeback & Worst Blown Lead” is a new feature series at this site. The next installment will be Chanda Rubin.)
"I feel like a young lil spring chicken"
Dan Markowitz · August 20, 2012 at 5:40 pm
Interesting, Scoop. I’m a huge Leander Paes fan. I’ll watch him play doubles anywhere, anytime. Often I’ll watch him even when a good singles match is going on. I love his attacking game; I love his energy and his seeming total focus on the match; and I love the fact that he has fun out there and is not afraid of mixing it up with opposing players. He’s like a man out there amongst smaller personalities. Paes, to me, is one of a handful of the most interesting players to watch play.
You must’ve done this interview recently. Where did it take place?
Scoop Malinowski · August 21, 2012 at 12:30 am
Dan, we did it in Miami last year I think but I changed his age to fit this year. Paes is a marvel, I remember seeing him beat Sampras in singles in New Haven he was playing like a house on fire, quick as a cat leaping around the net making ridiculous volleys. Very interesting character and like you say he will get feisty on court. Love to watch him. Never ever forget when he and Step got a break back on the Bryans in Miami this year and Step leaned over and said at the changeover, I love you. And Paes with his left hand pulled Steps head to his and kissed his forehead. I was sitting right behind them in second row behind Paes coach Rick Leach. Hard to believe but it happened. Wish I asked Paes about playing Rios, you just know he would have had something interesting to say. He played Rios in singles once or twice.