Paes Sails whilst Bhupathi Struggles—Nathan’s Notice

Written by: Staff on 18th January 2012

Paes Sails whilst Bhupathi Struggles—Nathan’s Notice |

By: Nathan M. Cuny

Before I began the description of recent matches I want you to hold a question in mind—In your opinion who has a better shot at the Olympics, Mahesh Bhupathi or Leander Paes?

The New “Indian Express” is at it again taking down their first set of opponents at their Australian Open debut. On Wednesday January 18 the fourth-seeded teammates, Rohan Bopanna and Mahesh Bhupathi, defeated Australians, Matthew Ebden and Chris Guccione, 5-7, 6-4, 6-4. The New “Indian Express” sweated hard for one hour and forty-three minutes in the Melbourne sun before moving onto the tournament’s second round. Bopanna and Bhupathi rallied hard from a set down hitting 10 aces and 44 winners. The New “Indian Express” lost their first set after committing four unforced errors. The opponents, Ebden and Guccione, hit a total of 23 winners. Bopanna and Bhupathi hit a strong first serve in their second set opening the margin for their comeback.

A little over a week ago, at the season’s start, the New “Indian Express” lost in the Chennai Open semifinals to the Israeli’s Andy Ram and Jonathan Erlich. Bopanna and Bhupathi were the tournament’s top doubles seeds. Not surprisingly Bhupathi’s former teammate, Leander Paes, succeeded to win the Chennai Open trophy for the 6th time with his new teammate Janko Tipsaervic. Paes has partnered with the Czech, Radek Stepanek for the Australian Open. Paes, unlike his former partner Bhupathi had a clean and quick victory during his Australian Open first round match. Paes and Stepanek outmatched the Australians John-Patrick Smith and Greg Jones 6-2, 6-2 in one hour and thirteen minutes. The opponents Jones and Smith converted one out of three break points while Paes and Stepanek converted five of their nine break points.

The New “Indian Express” plays the winner of Thursday the 19th’s upcoming match between Ivo Karlovic/Frank Moser and Carsten Ball/Treat Conrad Huey. Paes and Stepanek play their second round match against the Italians Simone Bolelli and Fabio Fognini.

Now here’s the point of the question I raised at the article’s start. Leander Paes and Rohan Bopanna split to enhance their shot at the Olympics. Rohan Bopanna joined Bhupathi in hopes of playing the 2012 Olympics. The New “Indian Express” is winning but they have fought hard for every victory. Paes has already won one championship and sailed easily into the Australian Open’s second round. All three guys are hoping to win the tournament, which by the way is the only Grand Slam neither Paes nor Bhupathi has won. However, when they teamed up last year they were close making it to the Australian Open finals. Rohan Bopanna is Ranked No.11, Paes No.7, and Bhupathi No.8. I understand this is the start of the season but theoretically let’s says Paes wins the Slam. If so his ranking shoots way up, as well as his confidence and he wins more major tournaments. Meanwhile Bhupathi’s and Bopanna perform well but not superb. In the process Bhupathi remains several spots ahead of Bopanna. What happens next. I guess we have to see who wins the Slam.

Topics: Australian Open, Bhupathi, bopanna, Paes