Happy reunion for old mates

It was a victorious reunion for Leander Paes and Mahesh Bhupathi. Playing together for the first time in over two years, the former World No 1 duo tamed Argentina’s Olympic duo Gaston Etlis/Martin Rodriguez 6-3, 6-2 in the first round of the $2.5 million ATP Toronto Masters, Canada, on Thursday night.

The last time Paes played at the same venue was before his brain cyst layoff. Playing with David Rikl he had lost in straight sets. But things were different this time. Seeded No 8 in the tournament the Indians were faced with triple break points in back-to-back games in the first set. However, the old partners found their rhythm soon. The crucial break for the Indians came in the 8th game, courtesy a double-fault. This was the one small opening they were eyeing as Paes and Bhupathi raced to a 5-3 lead and eventually went on to pocket the set at 6-4. In the second set things were much better. They took a 4-0 lead and went on the win set after losing just two games.

The result extended the pair’s winning streak to 14. Since April, 2002 they have not lost a match and that includes wins in five ATP matches, five Davis Cup matches and four Asia Games matches. Up next for the duo is a place in the semifinals, probably the Bryan twins (Bob and Mike), who play the unseeded pair of Jared Palmer (United States)/ Pavel Vizner (Czech Republic).