Profile: Mahesh Bhupathi
Mahesh Bhupathi is considered as not only as one of India's most talented and skilled tennis player but is known globally as a terrific doubles player who has had several instances of praiseworthy successes to show for it.
Mahesh Bhupathi's Profile:
Sport: Tennis
Right-handed
Age: 38
About Mahesh Bhupathi:
Mahesh Bhupathi is considered as not only as one of India's most talented and skilled tennis player but is known globally as a terrific doubles player who has had several instances of praiseworthy successes to show for it.
The 38-year-old has partnered several legendary players in his career including Martina Hingis but his partnership with Leander Paes during the 90s and the early years of the 2000s is what is most fondly remembered by Indian fans. Known together as the Indian Express, the duo were almost unbeatable. They in fact, became the first pair to reach the finals of all four Grand Slams. That they were ranked 1 in the doubles category only adds to describe the fame that Bhupathi earned, teamed with Paes.
Born in Chennai, Bhupathi has had success with other players as well. In 2006, he and Hingis entered the Australian Open as wildcards but beat Daniel Nestor and Elena Likhovtseva in the final match to claim the trophy. A year later, Bhupathi partnered Radek Stepanek to reach the doubles final of the French Open. In 2009, Bhupathi and Sania Mirza won the mixed doubles title at the Australian Open. His partnership with American Mark Knowles also yielded good results.
For all his success and dedication towards Tennis, Bhupathi was awarded the Padma Shri in 2001. His fallout, in the years to come, with Paes also gave him the spotlight for the wrong reasons. Despite a career record of 303-103 together and despite having the longest winning streak in Davis Cup, the two players fell out and found other partners. Reasons range from ego-clashes to varying attention are blamed but even for the London Olympics, the two will be seen with different partners. Bhupathi will play in the men's doubles event with Rohan Bopanna and will hope to make a strong impact.
Other facts about Mahesh Bhupathi:
Was born in Chennai and is an alumnus of University of Mississippi.
Was married to model Shweta Jaishankar for seven years before the two separated.
Is now married to Bollywood actress Lara Dutta with whom Bhupathi has a daughter - Saira.
In 2010, Bhupathi and Lara started a film production company.
Bhupathi is involved in developing tennis in the country and has a company called Globosport which has previously managed star players like Sania Mirza.