Kafelnikov may team up with Paes at Chennai

CHENNAI, DECEMBER 21: World No 2 Yevgeny Kafelnikov will be the first international sportsman to land in India in his own Cessna aircraft ...

CHENNAI, DECEMBER 21: World No 2 Yevgeny Kafelnikov will be the first international sportsman to land in India in his own Cessna aircraft to compete in the Gold Flake ATP Tour Tennis Championship commencing on January 3.

With less than two weeks to go, the Russian has set his eyes on a double to win both the singles and doubles, partnering Leander Paes in the season’s opener under new the ranking and rules system introduced by the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP).

In a telephonic interview arranged by the International Management Group, Kafelnikov — the World No 1 for the six weeks between May 3 and June 13 this year — confirmed he had not paired with anyone for the doubles in Chennai event and would be too happy to join with Paes.

Story continues below this ad

Kafelnikov said: “I have not talked to him (Paes) yet. If Paes is available, I will definitely partner him,” said the Russian.

Kafelnikov explained why he preferred to play in Channai over events in Doha and Australia starting on the same date: “I always want to be in a place that I have not seen and played. I have heard a lot about the fan support and the arrangements by the tournament committee in Chennai from my friend Carlos Moya.”

“Moya, who played here in April last, has spoken high of the tournament including the environment, the superb stadium, court facilities, the people and everything. I am looking forward to be in Chennai soon.”

Kafelnikov, who started 1999 season by capturing his second Grand Slam Open at the Australian Open beating Swede Thomas Enquist, said he had dedicated himself completely to the game. “Life on the tennis court cannot go on forever. I will play another four years on the professional circuit and then retire,” he said.

Story continues below this ad

About the new changes in ranking and rules in the game by the ATP, he was of the opinion that it would do a lot of good to the players and the fans. “The new system is interesting. There will be great expectations from the players and the spotlight will be on the winners of the three tournaments in January. Year 2000 will be interesting to watch, as for the progression to the world champion spot, one has to wait for 52 weeks.”

On his chances, Kafelnikov said: “It’s important to me to win both singles and doubles at Chennai. It would be something special for me but the competition is going to be tough. In fact, the line up for the Chennai event this year is strong with players like Pioline, Moya, my countryman Marat Safin, Byron Black and Paes. All are tough players to negotiate.”