Leander Paes in no mood to quit tennis despite Davis Cup snub

Leander Paes

He might have been overlooked from India's Davis Cup squad, but tennis great Leander Paes is no mood to quit the game as yet.

Paes said he has nothing to prove to anyone at this stage of his career. Paes, who made his Davis Cup debut at the age of 16 in 1990 and holds the record for the most Davis Cup doubles wins with 42 victories (equal to Nicola Pietrangeli), was dropped by new non-playing captain Mahesh Bhupathi for the tie against Uzbekistan earlier this year.

But despite the snub by his one-time partner, Paes, 44, has not lost hope and by his own admission, he is still playing the game for the love of it. "I don't have to prove anything to anyone, my career speaks for itself. At this stage I play because I love my tennis. I'm very passionate about being an athlete and the lifestyle it incorporates, Paes said.

Paes added: "I will have a new mixed doubles partner and don't be surprised if you see me at the podium in 2018."

Currently ranked 62nd in men's doubles, Paes further said: "I've three months left to lift my ranking and for me to play with an Indian boy (Purav Raja) is very special, especially at this stage of my career. By November-end, I will finish my season and then I will see about next year. I really want to get my ranking back on top."