Somdev retires, Paes to follow

Ravaged by injuries, India’s star singles player Devvarman announced his retirement on Twitter saying, “Starting 2017 on a new note, retiring from pro tennis. Thanks to everyone for the love and support over the years.

#newyearnewbeginnings,” while Paes said: “Doubles players retire when they are 28 or 29. At most players at this level, retire by 30. At 43, I am blessed to be able to compete at this level. It is a dream. I have a few people new on my team, who are going to help me on the last few months of my playing career,” and added after brief pause, “and my post tennis career,” with his voice choked with emotions. 

He went on to add: “I play for fun now. I play because I love the game, but there will come a point when the curtain comes down and before the curtain comes down, a thank you to you all. It’s been a fun run. You have been awesome with me for 20 years.” Paes said he would like to create a champion, who can take the baton from him. 

“I would love to create someone who is winning for the first time, help him realise what it takes to win that first one. When he wins that first one, what it takes to win the second one and prove it wasn’t a fluke. When he wins the second one, prove to the little one that he or she can win six to seven times. That’s the dream I have now — than winning the eighth Olympics or going out to win another Grand Slam or winning Chennai Open for eighth or ninth time. These are just numbers now. The dream is to transcend and do more,” the 43-year-old added. 

Paes hinted that lack of motivation for the year could have acted as a catalyst to trigger the retirement thoughts. “We have been hunting for that (motivation) over the past two months. Everyone on my team has really been looking forward to finding that one thing that motivates me. And after a while, I find that just winning Slams are just numbers. I am playing for a few things in 2017. I play to motivate the youngsters all around the world. I live my life to show every human being on the planet regardless of age, that you can be the best you can be. That’s what I play for,” he added. The legendary player said fitness and playing has always been hand-in-hand. 

“For me, I have fun with my tennis. Fitness is a part of my life, training is a part of my life. You can see the shape that I am in. I think fitness is a prerequisite in professional tennis now. One of the best things about the Chennai Open is that the Indian players and public can see the quality of tennis of Marin Cilic or Jürgen Melzer — he has reached the semi-final of a French Open and he is playing qualifiers right now. That’s phenomenal,” Paes said.