Vishnu Vardhan says he's up for Olympics challenge

Expected to be called-up if the All India Tennis Association decides to send two men's doubles teams to the Olympics in its bid to resolve the selection crisis, Vishun Vardhan said he is ready for the challenge.

"I am ready if that (selection) happens. I am up for the challenge. Playing for the country in the Olympics is the next level," he said.

"There were always the maybe option from the beginning. Yuki Bhambri, Sanam Singh and me -- we three were of similar level and standard.

"So there was always a chance of one us to play in Olympics if the three of them (Leander Paes, Mahesh Bhupathi and Rohan Bopanna) finished in top 10. We were kind of physically and mentally prepared for that," he added.

- Paes threatens to pull out of Olympics

Vardhan refused to comment on the selection row which arose after Bhupathi and Bopanna said they did not want to partner Paes.

"It's very difficult for me to give opinion. Mahesh and Leander are amazing players and they have done so much for the country in the past 20 years. Rohan is an emerging player who has carved out a name for himself. I just hope something good happens for the three of them," the world No 328 Vardhan told television channels.

On Paes threatening to pull out of the Olympics if he is made to pair up with a lower-ranked player, Vardhan replied, "That is Paes's personal opinion. That is his call and AITA will have their call. It's difficult for me to comment."

Asked if he would try to convince Paes to pair with him, Vardhan said, "May be I will give him a call."

Also read:
- Bhupathi, Bopanna breaking agreement with AITA: Paes
- AITA's decision defies logic: Bhupathi to Maken
- Maken favours two teams, hints at Hesh-Bopanna pairing
- Bopanna tells AITA he won't partner Paes at Olympics
- Paes ready to play with Bhupathi at London Olympics
- Bhupathi lashes out at Paes, AITA after Olympics selection