Tennis crisis: Sania Mirza caught up in compromise

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The All India Tennis Association’s compromise formula to calm the big boys involved in the boisterous bust-up ahead of the Olympics has handed a cruel deal to Sania Mirza, the lone ranger in Indian women’s tennis for years.

By pairing Leander Paes with Sania, AITA has ruthlessly dismantled her proven partnership with Mahesh Bhupathi — with whom she has won two Grand Slams, last month’s French Open being the latest — and made her a pawn in the distasteful game.

Sania’s entry to the Olympics hinges on the wild card, to be announced on June 28 though — the World Doubles No. 12 missed direct qualification by two places. But she prefers to play alongside Mahesh, whose backhand-dominated game complements her style of play.

“I have been playing with Mahesh and doing well too. Personally we would like to play together but it is not in our control,” Sania had said after winning the recent French Open. With Leander by the side, “We both are forehand court players.” To simplify, it’s like dancing with two right feet.

Sania’s coach during her formative years and Mahesh’s father C.G.K. Bhupathi concurs. “It’s for everyone to see,” he told this newspaper on Friday.

'Sania's game suits Mahesh best'

Mahesh Bhupathi’s father C.G.K. Bhupathi feels India’s best chance for an Olympic medal in the mixed doubles is if Sania Mirza is paired with his son. “Sania’s game suits Mahesh best, evident from their exploits on the court where opponents are under pressure to hold serve.”

“Had Mahesh been in the world top 10, Aita would have convinced Mahesh and Sania in the mixed doubles and the other two (Paes and Bopanna) in the men’s doubles. That would have been a reasonable compromise,” he observes.

The senior Bhupathi feels India’s tennis trouble lies in the numbers. “It is unfortunate that we have three good doubles players and not four. That means someone is always going to get hurt and sometimes, shocked. Unfortunately, it is Sania this time around,” he said.

Former national champion S. Narendernath, who has coached Sania earlier, sympathised with his ward who he felt is caught in the crossfire.

“With a draw of 16, mixed doubles is our best shot at a medal and Sania should have been paired with Mahesh with whom her game gells well. We should have the best team out there,” the Hyderabadi said.

Andhra Pradesh Tennis Association joint secretary Praveen Bhargava too felt the same. “There is no doubt Sania has to partner Mahesh if we are looking for a medal at the Olympics,” he said.