Mahesh Bhupathi says he cannot represent India again – Tennis News
One of the best doubles players in India’s tennis history, Mahesh Bhupathi, has said that he has already played the last match for his country.
Bhupathi and his partner, Rohan Bopanna, have been slapped with a two years ban from playing for India, after All India Tennis Association (AITA) found them guilty of bringing politics in the sport.
Bhupathi last played for his country at the London Olympics and he was dropped from the team for last week’s Davis Cup tie.
The 38-year-old has already announced that the next season would be the last of his career and he would retire from professional tennis at its end. Bhupathi, who has won a total of 12 Grand Slam titles, is considered to be one
of the best doubles players in the history of the sport. He captured the mixed doubles title with his countrywoman, Sania Mirza, at the French Open this year.
However, this ban from AITA would not allow him to represent his country again because by the time its duration would get over, Bopanna would be enjoying his retired days at that time.
Talking to the reporters during a press conference on Tuesday, Bhupathi said, “Unfortunately the reality of the situation is anyway I have played my last match for India. I always feel like playing for India. Tennis is an individual
sport and we barely get to represent the country once or twice a year. Two years is a long time.”
Bhupathi is not even sure if he would play the entire 2013 season or not. The Indian legend added, “I am at the f*g end of my career. Next year will definitely be my last on tour. I am not even sure whether I am going to play a
whole schedule.”
The right-hander is also considering taking a legal action against AITA. He is working to check the legal issues involved in this case.
Bhupathi is also said for his partner, Bopanna, who has many years of playing for his country left in him. The 32-year-old has represented India in the last eight years but he can surely carry it on till the next Olympics that
will take place in 2016.
Currently ranked 18th in doubles, Bhupathi is planning to join forces with Daniel Nestor in the next year and allow Bopanna to play with someone of his own age, so that he can prolong the partnership.
Bhupathi added, “It makes more sense for him to partner somebody as young as him for the next four five years.”
Bopanna’s former partner, Aisam-Ul-Haq Qureshi is enjoying a good run with Jean-Julien Rojer in this season.
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