Paes hoping to improve singles ranking

Ace tennis player Leander Paes says there is no dearth of talent in the country, but it has to be nurtured in the right spirit.

Addressing a news conference, on Sunday, after handing out prizes at the 10th DSCL Open national championship, he said, "There is an urgent need for us to first identify talent and provide proper infrastructure to the up-and-coming players. Only this way can we provide good talent to our country which will be a great contribution in itself."

Saying he would love to give his mantle to young talent, Paes added: "I would like them to give me a run for my money. As we have some wonderful talent in our country, it is incumbent on all of us to give them support."

Asked how the year had been for him, he replied: "In comparison to the last year, this year has been fruitful for me. Last year I broke my wrist but now my wrist is feeling very strong. This year we also won in doubles in the French Open."

Elaborating his plans for next year, Paes said: "Next year I am looking forward to the Tata Open and Asian Games. I will also try to improve my ranking in singles as this year I have had very less opportunities to play in singles. But doubles has always been my bread and butter."

Asked where he places himself in comparison with new players, he said: "New, up-and-coming players have great physiques and talent but my aggression makes me stand out."

His opinion on the tenth National Open tennis champion Vijay Kannan, and runner-up Rohan Bopanna?

Paes said, ''Vijay Kannan plays with concentration and Rohan Bopanna is a bright prospect. But Bopanna needs some maturity and with that he can really do well."

He said, psychologically players in India are too good but physically they have to work hard. Mental toughness is the most important thing that one needs on the court while playing a match, he noted.

"It is our duty and responsibility to provide our new generation with some good opportunities and I hope our next generation will be sensitive enough to provide good opportunities to their next generation,"' he pointed out.

He said the game of tennis is changing very fast and players of the country would have to adapt themselves to it to stay in the reckoning.