Paes still eager to learn from Rafael Nadal

And Leander Paes, who is India’s most decorated player with 18 Grand Slam doubles titles, had no qualms in admitting even that at this stage of his career, he can learn by watching Spanish great Rafael Nadal train and play. 

The 43-year-old said the line-up that Spain has presented for the Davis Cup tie against India is a must watch for every single budding athlete in the country. 

“It’s a great showcase of tennis in India. If I were 9,10, 15-year old budding athlete, I would be packing the stadium, every single day. To come and watch a 14-time Grand Slam champion is unbelievable. For me even now, at this stage of my career, where I have played 30 years, you can come out and watch what Rafa does and learn so much,” Paes said. 

“You can learn about the footwork, about the power, the generation of shots, the follow through, the swing the rituals after the practice,” Paes added.