Paes credits his success to perseverance and talks of the chemistry he shares with Martina Hingis
It's guts and gumption that is bringing Leander Paes all the accolades, the veteran tennis star himself believes.
- Paes wins US Open mixed-doubles title and scripts record. Congratulate him!
- Paes-Hingis lift US Open mixed-doubles title
Paes once again teamed up with Swiss Miss Martina Hingis, to win a third Grand Slam mixed-doubles title this year and surpass compatriot Mahesh Bhupathi to win nine mixed-doubles titles.
Paes combined with Hingis to beat American combo of Sam Querrey and Bethanie Mattek-Sands in the US Open final.
Soon after he won his historic US Open title, Paes said more than technique it is his never-say-die spirit that has got him success.
"Martina said something that was quite interesting. She said ‘you have to have the guts to go after something’, and I don't believe that I personally have the technique or the calibre of talent that Martina has. One thing I do have is the guts. I will go for it. It's been part of my whole life… It is about perseverance, just trying to find a way to succeed," Paes said after his record-breaking win.
He has now won nine mixed-doubles major titles and trails behind only Martina Navratilova (10).
Paes said chemistry is key to any partnership and he enjoys a great relationship with Martina Hingis.
"Sometimes the chips are against you, sometimes they fool you. What I love about this teamwork is that in any partnership there's got to be one person who brings the energy to the team. There's got to be one person who takes all the pressure on their shoulder and drives the team forward.
"I know if I can keep Martina happy, if I can keep her relaxed, the tennis I don't even have to worry about. This young girl is phenomenal on the tennis court and off of it," he said.
Paes also said that they train hard before the matches but at the same training has never been a stress for them.
"We actually have our best times when we are on the practice court. Like yesterday, we were there yesterday. We were on the practice court before the Australian Open. We were on for like two hours practising for a final. Just having fun. I learn a lot from her."
It was the third mixed-doubles crown of the year for Paes and Hingis, who defeated Daniel Nestor and Kristina Mladenovic in the Australian Open final and beat Alexander Peya and Timea Babos in the Wimbledon title match.
They are the first team since 1969 and second in the Open Era to capture three of four majors in a calendar year.
When asked about his next target, Paes said he was looking forward the Davis Cup tie against Czech Republic in Delhi next week before talking about what would be his seventh Olympics in Rio next year.
"Firstly, I am looking forward to Davis Cup next week. We will try out best to win and make the World Group. Then there is Rio Olympics next year. It would be special to have my father with me at my seventh Olympic appearance. Both Rohan (Bopanna) and Sania (Mirza) are doing well in doubles. I hope we can put up a good show for India," said Paes, who won the singles bronze at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics.