Leander Paes urges youngsters to step up

Sania Mirza, six-time Asian Games medallist will lead the charge in the women’s doubles and mixed doubles but it’s the singles that is a worry. In absence of Devvarman, Yuki Bhambri will bear the responsibility. The 22-year-old lost both his singles rubbers in the recent Davis Cup tie against Serbia.“We have Sanam Singh, Saket Myneni and Divij Sharan. They have lot of potential, a lot of talent. This is a stage where they can show they can shine. If they come back with medals, they can also show their position in the Davis Cup team,” Paes said at the Khar Gymkhana here where he monitored a tennis clinic.

The 41-year-old, however, felt that India needed to produce quality singles players in order to succeed at the world level. “We need to look at the depth in our singles. In doubles, we have depth Rohan (Bopanna) and I play on the higher tours. “There are three to four teams, who play on the Asian level but as compared to the world level, it’s a different story altogether.”

While Indian players tend to rely on quick reflexes as against brute power, Paes said they also needed to look at adding power and physicality to their game. He cited the example of Marin Cilic, winner of the US Open known for his big serve. “Indians are more intellectual kind but when it comes to physicality and power, we need to improve. Somdev does not have a big serve but there is lot more spin. His game is more oriented towards running. Indians can definitely improve their game.”