Leander Paes-Mahesh Bhupathi to reunite for exhibition match
The duo will be joined by Sania Mirza in a best of three mixed doubles tie in Kolkata
Kolkata: In a rare treat for tennis lovers, Leander Paes, Mahesh Bhupathi and Sania Mirza will be seen in action again when they take part in an exhibition mixed doubles match at the Netaji Indoor Stadium here on November 25.
The 12-time Grand Slam winner Bhupathi will pair up with his former partner and world no 1 doubles player Sania as the city will host the country's top tennis stars in the 'Tennis Masters 2015'.
Paes, who clinched his 16th Grand Slam at the Wimbledon, will play either with his former Slovak partner Daniela Hantuchova or current Swiss pro Martina Hingis in the one-day event organised by the Jaidip Mukerjea Tennis Academy in association with the state government.
"It'll be a best of three-set match. Hantuchova has already confirmed, and we're also expecting Hingis," former Davis Cup captain Mukerjea told reporters announcing the event.
Indian top two singles duo of Yuki Bhambri and Somdev Devvarman are also expected to be here during the meet as they will leave for the second season of Indian Premier Tennis League from here.
"This will act as a prelude to the IPTL which will begin in Japan from December 2," Mukerjea added.
The event will also carry prize money and based on the success of the first edition, the organisers will decide whether to make it an annual affair.
"We have big plans... Maybe, we'll see Roger Federer for the Masters some day," he added. The players will also conduct a clinic before the match and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee also has confirmed to grace the occasion.