Paes named in India's Davis Cup squad
Leander Paes will have a shot at creating history after he was named in India's Davis Cup squad. India will be playing the Asia/Oceania Group I tie against China in Tianjin, next month. Paes could go on to notch the most wins in the tournament if he manages to achieve victory in his doubles-encounter. The current record (42) is held by Italy's Nicola Pietrangeli.
Paes is joined by other top ranked doubles specialist Rohan Bopanna. In the singles event, top ranked Yuki Bhambri was selected alongside Ramanathan Ramkumar and Sumit Nagal. Divij Sharan has been named as a reserve.
In April 2017, Paes was dropped from the Davis Cup team against Uzbekistan under captain Mahesh Bhupathi. This led to bitter words between the two former doubles partners. Paes was also not considered for India's World Group Play-off tie against Canada. But the AITA has named Paes in the squad this time, citing that his experience is massive for the side.
The player made his debut in 1990 in the Davis Cup at the age of 16. He represented India in the 1993 team that reached the semi-finals. He contributed immensely as a doubles specialist over the years and has 42 wins.
Leander Paes is India's most successful tennis player in the history of the sport. The veteran campaigner has won a record 18 Grand Slam titles. He has won all four Slams in doubles and mixed-doubles. Paes has 10 mixed-doubles titles alongside 8 doubles honours. In the 1996 Olympics, Paes bagged the bronze medal in men's singles.
