Bangalore: After claiming his 11th Grand Slam by winning the Australian Open mixed doubles, Leander Paes' next target is India's Davis Cup World Group tie against Russia in March.

Paes Wednesday said he and Mahesh Bhupathi have a good chance of winning the doubles in the away tie, but it would be a tough outing for the Indians.

"Anything can happen, especially when you play the Russians. And even more so when you play them on their own turf. I believe it will be challenging, but we definitely have a strong side to go in with," said Paes, who and Zimbabwean Cara Black won the mixed doubles title at Melbourne Park Sunday.

"Yes, Mahesh would be the first choice for doubles as we have a great chance to win together given our past and individual experiences, but of course everything depends on our personal fitness. However, the young guys are definitely snapping at our heels," he said.

Paes was here for business on his way back home from the Australian Open, where his win brought him on par with Bhupathi's 11 Grand Slam.

"This is of course a very special win coming in at the beginning of the year. We worked hard to earn it -- Cara and myself. This was my second Australian Open win and her first, so it was very special. This was also a Career Slam for Cara -- which in itself is a huge achievement," he said.

"I had been practicing and working on my fitness very hard and this is a result of that commitment and the exemplary teamwork we displayed on court."

In the backdrop of racial attacks on Indians in Australia, Paes insisted he always had positive experience down under.

"India and Australia have always had a great sportive relationship -- be it in tennis or cricket and this relationship should be leveraged to bring people together."

"I have had innumerous positive experiences in Australia -- including(working with)Bob Carmichael, one of the greatest coaches in my time. The people are warm and there is a strong Indian influence through out. As a national tennis player, I consider myself an ambassador of India to Australia when I play there.

The 36-year-old Paes though maintained tennis to be his first priority but did not rule out exploring the actor in him in future.

"I always believe that a person need not be cast in one mould alone. Each individual has the ability to don many hats. Over the years I have received a number of movie offers. However, as of now I have not signed on any, as tennis stays my priority.

"Cinema is something I enjoy and if I get the right script, right director and producer at the right time, I will look to explore the actor in me," he said.

Share OR Bookmark This News With

| More

EMAIL THIS NEWS

COMMENTS No comments yet