Chennai Open doubles champion Leander says a little trick he's learnt from partner Tipsarevic to break the opponent's serve, should keep him in good stead for rest of the season
Chennai Open doubles champion Leander says a little trick he's learnt from partner Tipsarevic to break the opponent's serve, should keep him in good stead for rest of the season
India's tennis ace Leander Paes gave full credit to his partner Janko Tipsarevic for winning the Chennai Open doubles title at the SDAT Stadium on Sunday. The Indo-Serbian pair defeated Jonathan Erlich and Andy Ram of Israel 6-4, 6-4 in the summit clash, and though it was Paes' sixth title here, it tasted "ever so sweet" nevertheless, he said.
Two good: India's Leander Paesu00a0and Serbian Janko Tipsarevic pose
with their Chennai Open doubles winners trophies. Pic/AFP
"I always enjoy playing the Chennai Open in front of the home fans and this time was no different. However, I owe this one to Tipsarevic for his sheer professionalism and work ethic," Paes told MiD DAY before embarking on his flight to Australia, where he will play with new partner Radek Stepanek of the Czech Republic in the Sydney International followed by the year's first Grand Slam, the Australian Open.
"For youngsters wanting to learn thing or two about tennis, Tipsy is a perfect role model. It takes a helluva lot to first of all reach a singles final. Then on Sunday, he spent a good three and a half hours battling it out in the final against Canada's Milos Raonic (who won 6-7, 7-6, 7-6) followed by only a half hour break before joining me for the doubles final," said Paes, who split with compatriot Mahesh Bhupathi just before the Chennai tournament. Paes-Bhupathi had got together at the start of last season after a nine-year gap.
The Paes-Stepanek partnership may be brand new, but thanks to a "little trick" he's learnt from World No 9 Tipsarevic, the former Indian Davis Cup skipper believed he'll do well throughout 2012. "It was great to play with someone like Tipsy, who is willing to teach and learn at the same time. In fact, he's taught me a fascinating little trick that helped us break serve more often than not at the Chennai Open.
It's a very simple trick, which I obviously cannot disclose, but it is very effective. It worked wonders for our Chennai campaign. Hopefully, it will keep me and Radek in good stead this season. "Radek and myself are a new partnership, so I don't want to speak too much about it at the moment.
I may be able to comment on it after the Australian Open. All I'd like to say is that we will be practising together on Tuesday before playing our first match of the Sydney tournament on Wednesday," said Paes.
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