New Delhi, Feb 3 (IANS) India’s veteran tennis player Leander Paes, a singles bronze medallist in Atlanta, has set his sights on winning his second Olympic medal in the doubles event at the 2012 London Games.
“My next aim is an Olympic medal in doubles. It would be the epitome of my career. I want to win the medal for my flag and my people,” said the 38-year-old after returning home from Melbourne.
Paes became the first Indian to complete a career Grand Slam by winning the Australian Open men’s doubles title last week. Paes is also the only Indian to win an Olympic medal in tennis.
Paes said his decision to split with his compatriot Mahesh Bhupathi last year was finally proved right at the Australian Open.
“Mahesh and I split because we both needed younger legs to play with with. I hadn’t won a single Grand Slam last year, and I was desperate to win one. It wasn’t happening with Mahesh,” he added.
Paes partnered 33-year-old Czech Radek Stepanek to win the Australian Open men’s doubles.
Paes, who lost the Australian Open mixed doubles final with Russian partner Elena Vesnina, said it was his dream to win a career Grand Slam in mixed doubles.
“I also want to complete a career Grand Slam in mixed doubles,” he said.
