Paes-Bhupathi Olympic dream in doubt; India lobbies ITF

As the heartbreaking news struck tennis fans at home, All India Tennis Association (AITA) today launched its damage- control exercise. "We have decided to lobby with the International Tennis Federation (ITF) to seek wildcard entries for Leander and Mahesh for the Olympics’ doubles tournament," Indian Davis Cup committee chairman Anil Khanna told PTI here.

ITF, the games’ apex body controlling the Davis Cup and Olympic tournaments, will be issuing four wildcards to deserving pairs in the 48-player main draw later this year.

By the time Paes recovers, the September games would be round the corner and it will be extremely difficult for him to accumulate enough ATP points to get direct berth to Sydney.

Bhupathi, who succumbed at the second hurdle at the French Open while partnering German David Prinosil, has also decided not to strain his shoulder much – he would be playing fewer number of events.

"We are planning to have a two-week-long camp in Australia before the Olympics where Davis Cup coach Ramesh Krishnan will spend time with Leander and Mahesh," Khanna said.

Paes, who yesterday flew from Paris to his American base in Orlando, has apparently told AITA that he would be unavailable for India’s world group qualifying Davis Cup away tie against Sweden in July.

"I will be taking six weeks rest as suggested by a doctor," Paes said in a message to AITA. Khanna was confident India’s efforts to get wildcards for Paes and Bhupathi will get a positive response as both had ended last year as world number one before breaking the partnership following some differences.