Leander Paes Wants Young Indian Talents to Come up And Replace Him

Leander Paes on Wednesday made it clear that he opted to play World Team Tennis during India's previous Davis Cup tie against New Zealand in order to give youngsters a chance to prepare for the bigger battles ahead of them. (Leander Paes joins team for Davis Cup)

"Davis Cup is something very important to me. It's not like I am not prepared to put myself forward for the team. It is a conscious decision that I made. Look in the last few years, I have let the youngsters play in Asian zone. I am 42, I belive that youngsters should come and take me out of my job," Paes told mediapersons after his first practice session ahead of the World Group Play-Off against Czech Republic. (Leander Paes wins US Open mixed doubles title with Martina Hingis)

Paes, who won the US Open mixed doubles title with Martina Hingis last week, joined the team on Wednesday. The veteran star was asked the question in reference to non-playing captain Anand Amritraj's answer that he felt bad for Saketh Myneni, who had played in the last tie against New Zealand at Christchurch.

"If I keep playing all the ties and we win, then I can play for the next four to five years. It's about nurturing the youngsters. As they get better and better, improve their ranking, out me out of my job," the 42-year-old stars, winner of 19 Grand Slam titles said.

About the tie against Czech Republic, Paes feels that the side with control of first set might go on to win their matches. After hitting with partner Rohan Bopanna for about an hour in the evening, he concluded that the court is quite slow, the ball is jumping so players should be ready for long rallies.

"Physical fitness will be a huge factor in this tie. It's eight in the evening it is so humid, if you come out at noon or in a five set match in Delhi heat, the physicality of this tie will be phenomenal. It's not best of three. The court is playing really slow, the ball is jumping," Paes said.

Paes, who has vast experience of playing and winning tough matches, also had a word of advise for the Indian players. "The obvious part is the fluid, the rest, getting then body ready but also look after diet, stretching and recovering. What is going to be tested that rallies are going to be long and whoever wins the first set, controls the first set, will do well," he said.

Leander said even if at this age, he was able to win the Grand Slams it was due to discipline. He won three mixed doubles Grand Slam titles this year, except French Open which he did not play.

"2015 has been a hard year (due to turmoil in personal life) but tennis was good. Winning three Grand Slams in a year is phenomenal, especially doing it after being on road for 25 years. Is is really special. It is about the sense of discipline and having a great team behind me," Paes, who is battling a court case for the custody of her daughter, said.