Leander Paes Says Winning a Grand Slam Just Ahead Of Olympics 'Relevant'

Leander Paes will turn 43 in a week's time. Yet, going by his recent performances, there is no reason to think that India's only tennis player to win an Olympics medal is going to stop anytime soon.

He completed his career slam at this year's French Open, winning the mixed doubles title with Martina Hingis. Speaking to NDTV after the win, Paes hoped that the win will benefit his chances of getting selected for the 2016 Rio Olympics.

"Winning a Grand Slam, going into the Olympics, is relevant. I am in good form with just six to seven weeks left for the Olympics. I have won medal in the singles event of the Olympics, and hopefully will be able to win one in the doubles too," Paes said.

"However, I can do nothing about selection. I can only concentrate on my game. I leave the job of selection to the wise people."

Leander Paes also entered the men's doubles quarter-finals with Marcin Matkowski, while Rohan Bopanna also entered the last eight with Florin Mergea.

"Getting into the quarter-finals of a Grand Slam means that me and Rohan get a direct entry (into Olympics)," he said.

India's most successful tennis player added that completing a career slam is huge milestone in his career.

"If I retire now, nobody can point a finger at me. A mixed doubles title at French Open had been in the waiting for a little while now. I am happy my hard work has paid off," he said.