The 32 year-old Indian doubles specialist Mahesh Bhupathi has shown disinterest in playing for the country...Though he will continue playing on Tour and Grand Slams.
I will not be playing for India but I will continue playing on the Tour and grand slams.
I spoke to the Federation and they have accepted it.
Bhupathi was expected to partner Leander Paes at the Asian Games in Doha and defend the doubles crown...But that will not be possible now, as Bhupathi is keener in playing only for himself with no concerns for the country any more.
I needed to cut down on my playing and prioritize on the men’s doubles at the Australian Open, one title that I have not won.
He felt insulted when the Indian Tennis Federation paired top seeded young sensation Sania Mirza with Leander Paes for the Asian Games... While Bhupathi left to pair up with a lower-ranked Shikha Oberoi.
Bhupathi has won 10 grand slam doubles and mixed doubles crowns... He is indeed an experienced campaigner... But this act of quitting to me is a very unprofessional step taken by him... He has brought repeated laurels to the country, he should not just quit because he is not partnering a top seed but a low ranked player... If he can perform well in this pair then he will certainly have proven all to the Federation... I think he should reconsider his decision in the interest of Indian tennis.
Image: ibnlive
Via: rediff
