New Delhi: It seems that Leander Paes has taken a fancy for the city where he just won the Asian Games gold in doubles and mixed doubles.
Paes on Sunday confirmed that he will skip the Chennai Open, and participate in the Doha Open along with partner Martin Damm of Czech Republic, which has the same schedule as the premier Indian ATP event.
"I had no option but to accede to my partner's decision to play in Doha Open," Paes, who won the 2006 US Open doubles title with Damm, told PTI on Sunday.
Paes, a four-time doubles title winner, is going to miss the Chennai Open for the second time in its 12-year existence on the ATP circuit. He was out injured during the 2004 edition.
"It is not more prize money alone. I just want to maintain the partnership with Damm and looking for more accomplishment with him in 2007 with whom I started the last season here."
"Maybe there is more prize money (at Doha), but it comes only with your performance and my aim is only to improve upon my performance in 2006 partnering Damm."
"I consider it as yet another opportunity for me, along with Damm to win the doubles title in Doha and take off from there for a memorable 2007 season," Paes said, making his intentions clear for the forthcoming seasons, where the duo could be major contenders during the four Grand Slams.
Paes and Damm came together at the Chennai Open last year as the top seeded pair but lost in the quarterfinals. But they went on to win two ATP titles, including the US Open in September.
Paes, however, said he would be missing Chennai, where he spent most of his formative years. "I cannot forget Chennai, my home turf, and my friends. I am sure with Rafal Nadal and David Nalbandian coming to play here this time the tournament's calibre has gone up."
He also hopes to continue playing with Mahesh Bhupathi for India. "I always enjoyed playing with Mahesh for our country and I will continue."
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