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The Leander Paes Chat

And the moment he logged on as our guest on the Rediff Chat, he was the very epitome of charm, winning fans in cyberspace just the way he does on court. With quiet elegance and passionate style.

Now we know why he is a winner, why he is a genuine Indian superstar.

Stanis (Tue Sep 24 21:23:07 1996 IST):

Hi!

Hi is the interview going to start soon.

Hi

I hope so

Where is Paes ?

Hullo Leander. Welcome to the Rediff Chat. It's wonderful having you here. I hope you enjoy this experience. And all the very best always!

LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, LEANDER PAES!

Hi, Is Leander Paes here

Leander: With the retirement of Edberg, it looks like we won't see too much top-quality serve-volley any more. You think that's sad? (I do!). Are there any other serve-volley guys up and coming?

Hi Leander. How are you doing? I am a 22 year old college student living in USA and Iam a big fan of yours

Hello Leander!!!

Hi! Has Leander come Online yet?

Hi, I'm on the line, let's chat.

Congratulations Leander on winning the bronze in Atlanta! I was pullling for you. You did great. Every Indian was proud of your achievement, believe me:)

In country where there is so little hope you have given us a reason to live!

So where are you now! Are you in India. The jet set life must be tiring? Do you like to travel

So little hope to live: Come on, that's too much of a burden even for Leander to have to carry!

3D: Unfortunately, there are only a few serve and volley players in the world today and I think that is due to the power of the game but people like Mark Phillipousses, myself and hopefully a few others coming along the line will keep up the serve and volley tradition.

Hello to all!Welcome Leander!

Hi Leander! Congratulations on a some wonderful Tennis at the US open. What happened in the second set?

Leander I would love to see you play in person. Any chances you could arrange tickets for me when you play in the US

Leander,Inspite of playing great tennis at occasions, you are not able go up in ATP ranking? what are our plans for getting up in the ranking.

Hi!! you're a great guy!!!

Amit: I'm in the Rediff On The Net office in Mumbai. And I love to travel.

Leander:What happened in the Madras tournament expected you to win.

Leander: Yeah, I like the way Phillip..whatever plays. He seems a little raw though. Always liked Korda myself, too. Not a great volleyer, but a smooth player almost in the Edberg mould.

Leander do you have a full time coach now? If yes whp pays for it you or the Indian tennis federation? Do you have a trainer also?

Hi Leander, how do you manage those amazing things you do consistently? Where does it come from? it's AMAZING! MAN

Shail:I have been pursuing my goals alone and now I plan on getting a top class tennis coach as well as a trainer to travel with me and help me to perform at a high level like I did at the Olympics on a day to day basis.

Hi Leander , this is Chirag here. Just joined in

You have done India proud for the medal,thanks

Leander what tournaments do you plan to enter this year? I will be following you in all the tournaments and wish you luck

Amit, surely u were joking, u dont expect leander to get tickets for u. let the guy play good tennis and we will watch him any way we can

Leander: what do you make of Laxmi Poruri? Have y ou seen her play? She seems to have had a good career at Stanford.

Leander: I recently read an article which explained how the ATP rankings were made.According to it a player who doesnt win even one tournament manages to retain his place whereas its difficult for people to elevate their position. Is it true??

I heard that some organisation was willing to sponsor you on the circuit. Has it materialised?

Siva: I played really well to get to the finals of the single's and the doubles but am really tired of all the playing and travelling, I 've been doing. Hence it showed in the finals. Also Ogorodov played a good match and came out tops.

What is your current ATP ranking after battling the likes of Andre Agassi in U.S. Open

Leander what happens to you when you play the likes of Aggasi?? I personally think you could have defeated him in the US Open. What really happened??

Is there any way of knowing when and where you will play in the US? I would love to be able to see you play. I have seen you play at Madras Christian College School and at Loyola (I studied at both places) to quite a few years ago!!

Leander this is a question about the type of surface you like playing on: Why don't you play on clay? Don't you think if you did play on all surfaces instead of restricting yourself to hard courts you might have a better chance of moving up the ATP rankings. Just a thought (I may be wrong)

Siva: Yes, the ATP rankings can get complicating at times and you are right if a player wins few matches at a tour event he gets more points then a player who wins a challenger tournament.

Leander , do you have the Government backing you financially , providing with you a coach , etc ?

Is it difficult playing tennis for a living? Could we call you a sports millionaire? Or is there a great distance to be covered between Sachin, Anand and you?

LEANDER I am waiting for a reply!!!!!!!!!!!

Anil yes I was joking!:) I just want to know where he will be playing next so that I can see him play live and in person.

Anil yes I was joking!:) I just want to know where he will be playing next so that I can see him play live and in person.

Anyone in your position -- playing with little backing -- would have been angry and mad. How come you are such a great guy? Is it thanks to Vece and Jennifer?

Sandeep: I was playing really well in the begining of the match and carried out my strategy to the T. At 4-0 in the second I played a long game and then changed my strategy and paid heavily for it. I tried to hit forehand winners instead of serving and volleying. And that is what changed the match around.

Leander, u were great in the us open and the olympics. We would like to see some more Andre "hiney" kicking soon and this time get him dismissed early - thankx

JPM: I don't know for sure, but I think playing tennis for a living is pretty damned hard. If you're not in the top 50 or so, the money you make does not even cover your travel/hotel expenses. I think that's even more true in the women's circuit.

What tournaments are coming up for you ? Circuit Tennis ?

Leander how do the wild cards work what are the basis for giving them out. I heard you were trying for a wild card in the Singapore tournament. Did you get it or do you know yet?

Do you think Agassi is just being indulgent? Or do you think he is genuine in his praise? Tell us what life is on the circuit especially for guys way down the ATP ladder. Do the likes of Sampras and Chang acknowledge you? Come over and say good match.

Hi Leander !! I'm waiting !!

Leander is it true that one point can turn the match around even if you are having a good day and playing great?? Can you tell us what the commentators mean when they say 'This is the BIG point'. What exactly goes on in the mind of pro tennis player at that moment?? Please tell me cause this may be the only opportunity I may have of talking to a pro tennis star.!!!!!!!

Leander,You are a good player of serve and volley, but you have been always struggling with our first service. What steps are you taking in this direction?

Leander!! Hope I don't sound rude in repeating the question. Is there any way of knowing when and where you will play in the US? I would love to be able to see you play again!! Would also like to Cheer for you!!!

Lenader: you wrote briefly about playing serve-volley against Agassi. I've always believed that's the way to beat him consistently: keep coming in and knocking off the volleys. That's whay I think Edberg at his best, Becker before he started playing Agassi's game, Sampras, these guys always beat Agassi. (and Chang for that matter). So I can see what you mean about changing your strategy and that didn't work. Just a comment.

JPM: For one you cannot call me a sports millionaire right now as a lot of my earnings and sponsorship go towards my tennis. But at the same time tennis is a great life style and profession. As far as I am concerned Anand is at the top of the chess circuit and Sachin and myself are reaching our potentials now.

Leander you seem to be ignoring my questions. Shpuld I leave or do you not like my questions

Leander! There's a burning question in my mind for years! Its kinda personal...How did u feel when U won Wimbledon Juniors at the age of 20 & at the same time Becker won the main at 17???

LEANDER please,please,please answer!!!!!!!!

How long can you continue this way? Has one company come up after the OLympics and said we want to sponsor you?

Leander , Please do acknowledge me .

What's with you dudes who keep saying "please please answer?" Haven't heard of a word called "patience"?

Stanis: I will be playing in Palm Springs and the Lipton championships in Miami in February- March 1997.

Did you ever feel like throwing down your racquet and saying it is not worth it? What is the lowest you have been?

No ATP turnaments till Feb-March then ?

No ATP turnaments till Feb-March then ?

How come you decided to play tennis? Why not hockey like your pa or basketball like your ma? Were you inspired to take up the game or were you pushed into it?

Sharky: Boris and myself were 17 years old when I won junior wimbeldon and he won the men's championship. His body matured a lot faster than mine has and hence he was able to keep up physically with the seniors.

Leander when will you be playing Davis Cup . Where is India in the Davis Cup

JPM: I played every sport as a kid. And at 12 had to choose my profession hence it was my choice alone with the advice of my family.

What has been your greatest achievement till date ? I'm sure must be one of the davis Cup mathces. You bet I didn't miss any one of them.

Hi Lee (is that your nickname?). How does it feel being a sex symbol? You know that, don't you? Anand and Sachin wouldn't hold a torch to you in that dept.

Leander, How many tournaments to you normally try to play in a year? Just to get a general idea about the time and distance you travel in a year. Must be quite a lot!!

OOps! Sorry I got my facts wrong! Thanx for answering & I think u'r simply great! One more question - Where do u actually stay?

Chirag: There are none in the USA till then.

Leander: Will Boris win another Slam?

Leander do you play on clay or not ?

12! Wasn't that too young to decide your profession? Didn't you want to study? Suppose you hadn't made it, what would you have done?

Leander , please acknowledge.

Sharky: I base out of Orlando, Florida and my parents live in Calcutta.

LISTEN UP ALL THE REST>>Where is everybody from? Im from Bombay

What ATP events will you play this year Paes

Sharky: We're from where you're not. Wild, eh?

Leander, what other sport do you play besides Tennis?

Alex: Great question!!!!!! It was a tough decision specially coming from India and I was very lucky that my parents understood my decision to choose Tennis. That's the age one had to choose my options.

I am from Raleigh , North Carolina, US

What do u think is responsible for the casual attitude we Indians have towards sport? I mean why isnt there more professionalism?

I am from Pennsylvania

3D> Wow! U sure are funny!*trying really hard*

Leander how many hours do you practice per day? Do you do weights also?

Leander: You mentioned you are about to sign up a full-time coach. Isn't that expensive? I heard Roche charges $8K/week (and he didn't even get Lendl a Wimbledon!). How will you afford that kind of money?

P Chawla: I play Soccer, field hockey, cricket. I am a good sprinter (100m - 200m). Also, play rugby, swim, table tennis, badmintion, squash, golf etc........ Does that answer your question? Howzzat.

I'm from Madras, but now live in Louisville, Ky!

Leander, how do you think the Indian sporting talent can be tapped?

Leander:I just wanted to know if there was going to be inclusion of the baseline camera in tennis like 3rd umpire....After all the commentators have access to it, so shoud the umpires...

Let us say our ages, I am 22

Leander , why is it that out of 800 million people there is just one Leander Paes, is there a dearth of talent.I'm forced to believe this.

3D: It is expensive but that's what it's costs to have a coach. I feel it is necessary for me to improve now and in the long run hopefully worth it.

Leander, where do you hope to be in the ATP rankings at the end of the year? Your goals!

Amit: I'm 23, June 17, 1973.

Leander: wow that's a lot of sports. When did you move to the US and when did you turn pro

Gotta go Thanx!

Leander: expensive or not, your potential is certainly worth it. And if you need a contribution, please let us know, we'll dig in the old pockets and see what we can come up with...

Sharky...don't leave, man! We're just getting started! So where are you from anyway?

Hi, Lee. This is Pankaj Monga, remember me? (Chandigarh)

Hello to all grandpas!!!

After winning the bronze at Atlanta, have you been to Florida? What has been the reaction there to this victory?

hi! Leander! the Agassi of India! this is Raghu from Lincoln, Nebraska.!

leander I was born June 3, 1974 . Are you also a Gemini like I am

Chirag: We do not have a good sports system in India. But it is improving slowly and hopefully we can scout talent and train them for free and hence give everyone an oportunity.

Amit: Good to know that there are others like me.

Leander! u seem to be on to a greater level of Tennis! u deserve this! i like to see u play a lot in USA, so that we can come over for support!

Hello to all grandpas.

Raghu: Hi!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hello Leander when do you play Davis Cup next. We will be pulling for you here back in the US

Leander: have you seen Harsh Mankad play? People are saying all kinds of nice things about him. He looks a little small now, but he has some years to grow. You think he has potential? Incidentally, did you ever play a guy called Chacko Koshy here in Bombay? I've played him at the Bandra Gym a few times. I wish he had taken up tennis full-time -- he's good.

i luv tennis! and luv Becker-ishtyle! thats what u play

Chirag, Our society in India does not look favourable on sports. Children are expected to do well in their academics and hence it take a lot to create a Leander Paes! What do you think Leander?

3D: Thanks a lot for your support. Take care.

Hey Leander . when is the next davis cup encounter ?

Leander: So do you have a girlfriend? I have heard that you do. Is she in the US

r u gettin sponsored now!! u need some big guys like Intel or Microsoft or Nike to go great guns!

Hey Stanis.I am a great fan of Leander and just hope that India continues to produce such great sportsperson

r u gettin sponsored now!! u need some big guys like Intel or Microsoft or Nike to go great guns!

Hey Leander, what's the best thing you like about India?

LEander: Gottago, but actually I wasn't entirely kidding about the contributions. Is there some way we can help financially?

Stanis: Yeah! you are very right. Sports is still considered a hobby and not a profession. I can guarantee you through my experiences it is a fabulous life style and great potential to earn financially. So as far as I'm concerned we will not produce champions unless we realise that sports is a profession. And a great one at that.

Leander: So do you have fun also or do you just practice. I mean do you relax and go out to movies etc and do you have friends in Orlando

3D: Nice chatting!!!!!!!!!!

Leander! how long will u b on-line! u & bhupathi should play lots of doubles in grand-slams, gives u lots of confidence while playing top players.

Leander, Were you able to get more sponsors after your performances at the Olympics and the US Open?

Leander! how long will u b on-line! u & bhupathi should play lots of doubles in grand-slams, gives u lots of confidence while playing top players.

Amit: I do train really hard but at the same time take sometime off to relax. I love watching movies,plays, musical concerts and love playing other sports.

What tournament will you play next satellite or ATP?

Gotta make a move , bye .Nice chatting & Best of luck for your future endeavours Don't forget 800 million people are backing you.

i want u to partner Boris Becker in Wimnledon doubles! mi dream! or play Agassi in Wimbledon Singles Finals!

i want u to partner Boris Becker in Wimnledon doubles! mi dream! or play Agassi in Wimbledon Singles Finals!

Hello Leander! I am an ardent fan of yours, when are you beating Andre?

Amit: I do have a girlfriend. Anisa and myslef have known each other since we were five years old. And she is in India now.

Leander say hi to Bhupathi. How is he doing? I have heard that you guys are planning to gain a direct entry at the doubles in the Australian Open. Do you enjoy playing doubles and does it help your singles game.

wonder why it took u such a lot of time to show up at grand slams!

Chirag, I agree you with you. It really is pathetic that we only have one Leander Paes!! I am a big fan of him too!

Kooustubh: Hi! hopefully next time. Nice name.

Cool Leander so why not marry her now. You have know her so long! You are lucky. It must be hard to keep up a long distance relationship.

Have you been down and oput in your career, when you hated the sport and wanted to get out? When was that and what made you stay on?

Raghu: It has taken me a while to mature physically and mentally.

mahesh has a terrific serve and game. he should try harder in tournaments like US open and Wimbledon and take out a top10 player. u guys can easily do better!

So did you go to college Leander. I heard that you turned pro after 17 right?

Leander, Your performance in the Davis Cup has been remarkable, Which is your greatest match so far in the Davis Cup?

How does it feel having your fiuture pa-in-law as your skipper? Is he as much of a motivation as Naresh Kumar was?

Hi, Lee. This is Pankaj Monga, remember me? (Chandigarh)

Did Vijay call you after Atlanta? What about Ramesh? What is the best message you got after the Olympics?

Leander, does playing Doubles help you improve your singles skills? Doesn't it take away from your ATP ranking since you don't get to play a singles tournament?

JSC: From 1992 January to 1994 Feb. I was struggling mentally with the travel and dealing with all my responibilites and really felt like quitting. What helped me was my sincere love for tennis and to be the best player that I could be.

What did you do after the match with Andre? Did you go into the locker room and bawl? is that your style? Are you very emoptional off court? What do you do when you are travellking on the circuit and you lose badly and there is now one to lend a shoulder? Do you call Anisa? Or your dad/ma?

Leander what is it to have Bhupathi as your partner as opossed to others like that canadian guy you had. Do you commnicate better with mahesh? Will you stick with him as a partner for now

i got a friend named Raja Choudhary from Calcutta. told me that he used to go to the same courts as u to play tennis, says he knew u. nice feeling. he is a top model now, becomin an actor !

Stanis: Good question. Doubles does improve on my singles game as I serve and volley but you are right that it does take away from my singles ranking.

LEANDER, NEVER BE DOWN! WE ARE ALL WITH YOU. IF YOU EVER NEED SUPPORT, JUST TELL US!

Thanx, But it is very much Indian (the name), You are the only hope for India in tennis. Hope you will be on your winning streak. Which is the next big tournament you are playing?

That's right. I think before we go on, we should give three cheers to Leander. HIP HIP HOORAY!

i am excited about this technology.How do you feel about its impact on indian industry

Leander do you go into a match every match with a plan and then when things don't go your way can you shift your plan and do something different ie adapt?

Leander, what percent of in you believed that you can beat Agassi in the US open after your Olympian effort?

Alex: good question. I was kicking myself in the butt for not taking advantage of my lead. My phone bills are huge and I called Anisa and home to talk about the match. Travelling is very lonely being in an individual sport and hence one enjoys communication with one's own family and friends.

amit: I do go in to a match with two or three game plans so if the first doesn't work, I go to the next.

You Can Say that again !!

Are there any good tennis players coming up for India. If so what are their potential in the pro circuit

Leander, by the way, My fiance thinks you're really Handsome!! Ha! Ha!

arun: I believed that I could beat him provided I produced exactly what my game plan was. Unfortunately I did not produce it for the whole match.

When do you plan to marry Leander

Stanis, that's my problem too. She slurps and slurps. Kya karen?

Stanis: Yes!!!!!!!!!!!!, Ha Ho!!

Hey Leander which is your favourite film? Do you read?

Amit: No specific plans yet.

Leander, Instead of us asking you all the questions, Is there anything you would like to ask us, Your Fans?!!

How was the feeling when you were standding on the podium with the medal on your neck? Did you shed tears? Did the Indian anthem also play?

Leander, What about your first serve? you have been struggling with it, Don't you???

Hi Lee: This is pankaj monga from chandigarh ? remember me ?

I agree with Stanis and Alex. Leee is going to be a pin-up boy soosn. Just hope he doesn't act in any Bong phillum!

Were your family there in Atlanta or Anisa?

P Chawla: English, The Rock. Hindi,Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge. I don't read much. I listen to music.

GOOD LUCK and BEST WISHES from me. Hope to see you on the top soon

Leander can you make a living with the money you earn now

Amit, we better get hitched soon!! Imagine it once Leander moves up in the rankings!!

Pankaj monga: Hey, buddy haven't spoken to you in a long time. How are your parents doing.

You know you are an 8 + 8= 7. Which means there will be hassles in your personal life and your career, but you will overcome them all!

Leander, you've made a bit of money. I have a pal from the IRS next to me (identity w/held) who says that if u have a hassle with his dept,call me

Leander, did you know that one of your rally with Agassi ( which YOU won ) was rated as the no.1 play among the best points in the '96 US Open?

Leander did you hear the Indian cricket team losing two in a row to Pakistan in Toronto. Have you been to Toronto Leander

You Can Say that again !!

Amit: Both my parents, Anisa and my sister were there. It was great.

Who are the guys you are pally with on the circuit? Do the big shots act high and mighty?

Leander I need to g oto class soon so please answer this question for me. How did it feel winning the bronze medal and standing on the podium

Amit, bunk your class yaar. It is not everyday that you get to speak to Leander Paes!

Shail: I have been working on it. And it is a lot better now.

ok thanks. one more question since you answered that. When do you play Davis Cup and against whom

Leander, with your bronze and good looks, how many ads do you have under your belt?

Lee: parents are doing fine.Just finished playing NCAA. Now in cedar rapids, Iowa. look me up when you are around.

Leander, How come you got beaten in the Madras tourney to a lowly ranked guy? Don't you take these tourneys seriously?

Prakruit, that sounds like LUST! Do you mean bronzed good looks?

It's a Hindi class and independent study otherwise I would the guy comes just to teach me so

Leander, What's the next tournament for you? Do you plan to take a break since the one in Madras?

got beaten = lost

P monga: How is your scooter which I banged up. Send me your address and Telephone no.

No Macedonia, its the bronze medal and the good looks, not bronzed good looks.

P Chawla: I am in the process of doing the Mahindra Ford Escort car Ad. which you will see soon as well as few others.

Lee, do you have a hassle fending off women like Prakruti?

How is Bhupathi as a partner and friend? Does he not live in US. Why does he not move to US if he is not here so he has better facilities etc and gets to practice doubles with you. Have you ever asked him that. Please answer this question Leander I will loook for the answer on the transcripts . Have a nice night, it is getting late in India.

Stanis: Yes, I have got two months worth of tournaments left to the end of the year to make a break.

Leander, Is there any way of keeping track of you and the tournaments you play? I was down for the Olympics but had no Idea you were taking part. Only learned about it when you reached the QF.

amit: Mahesh, is a good friend and we travel a lot together now. Thanks for joining, take care.

Leander thanks for answering the questions from all of your fans. We all appreciate it. I wish you the best in your tennis careeer and hope to see the best tennis from you in the future.

Hey Macedonia, cool it man, there's nothing wrong in telling a guy he looks good?

Does Mahesh live in the US. I think it would help his game if he did

Amit: It was a special moment in my life, one hard to forget. And I felt really proud to be an Indian. don't miss your class. Bye.

Lee: My address: Parkside apartments # 22 980 eisenhower road hiawatha,IA 52233 319-378-4998 -Home 800-443-3374 -Work

Prakrti where are you from

Nothing wrong, PC, but I wish you wouldn't sully the screen with your saliva!

Leander, How do you feel now, when you are carrying India alone in the Davis Cup?

Leander its been a pleasure talking to you. Wishing all the luck under the sun and the moon...the stars.

P monga: Waiting for your address.

ok bye Paes, I am late for my class but will read the transcripts.

P Chawla: Look after yourself.

Amit, don't you have a class to attend?

Bye Leander. Take care and keep winning.

while you are at it hit vsnl over the head for a lousy link missed my reply

Lee, are you leavin too? It must be pretty late in India.

Leander, Why don't we have Tennis Academy's like US in India?

P monga: Pankaj, I will be in Orlando in December. And shall look you up as soon as I get in. Love to you and all at home. Always Lee.

Lee: Howz gaurav. Is he still alive.. Him and i got together and hit some balls in dec '94. that's the last i heard of him

Do you thbink f you had afforded Nick Bollitwhatever his name is, you may have done better fior yourself?

Do you have any brothers and sisters? Who have you looked up to in your life? For motivation?

Leander, do you have sponsers from companies out side India? And did your performance at the Olympics and the US Open help in any way?

Who are the guys you admire on the circuit? Are they nice to you? Or is it that the big guys treat the small guys badly?

Shail: We have a few but not at the same level or as many as USA does, hopefully we will get many more high leveled training facilites in India soon.

Hey, Chink! Quit calling Lee a small guy. You don't win an Olympic bronze and still be called a small guy! he is a BIG GUY!

P monga: Gaurav is alive and kicking in Pune. Shall give him your numbers. I have to go, shall call you in December. It was a pleasent surprise to chat with you again.

Look pal, I don't say he was a small guy. I just wanted to know more about the guys I read about. Sampras, Muster and Co.

Leander, Why we are not able to produce players with fast service, Are we physically incaple of getting that???

BYE YOU GUYS, IT WAS LOTS OF FUN. SEE YOU SOME OTHER TIME. LEANDER PAES.

Lee: Howz gaurav. Is he still alive.. Him and i got together and hit some balls in dec '94. that's the last i heard of him

Hello, Leander! Its a pleasure talking to you. Let me say, we are all very proud of you.

Leander:don't you have anything to say about the hypocrates at the Indian Lawn Tennis Ass...esp RK KHANNA?

Many thanks for your time. It was wonderful having you here.

Leander, hope my previous question about the Sponsers etc wasn't too personal. Didn't mean to pry. Incidentally, who inspired you in your earlier days regarding Tennis?

All the very best, God bless and take care!

Guys !! Leander has left .

THANKS! LEANDER... HOPE YOU WILL COME AGAIN

Lee: Wait to hear from u. Keep it going: take care..

Leander, Thanks for conversing. It was wonderful. Congratulations and hope you have greater times ahead. Take care.

Bye everyone!! It was fun!

Bye everyone!! It was fun!

Photographs: Jewella Miranda