Davis Cup: Rohan Bopanna to refuse to play with Leander Paes?

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It’s the latest twist to the Leander Paes-Mahesh Bhupathi soap opera. The tale is more intriguing now. The sourness in relationship between the two tennis giants seems to have hit a nadir.

The All India Tennis Association had announced the team for the Davis Cup tie against Uzbekistan on Wednesday and contrary to Aita’s statement that “Mahesh has opted out”, it has emerged that the veteran was dropped by the selection committee to accommodate Paes in the squad. Sources said Mahesh, who once posed a big threat to the federation with his bid to float a new body, was not even considered for the reserve role that went to Vishnu Vardhan.

The Aita’s decision to pair Paes with Rohan Bopanna for the key Asia-Oceania encounter has come as a big surprise, especially with Mahesh and Bopanna playing together on the Tour and are fresh from winning the title at the Dubai Open last week. The duo have been showing great chemistry since they came together in the season opener in Chennai with an objective of winning an Olympic medal. It has been learnt that if push comes to shove, Bopanna could even refuse to play with Paes.

Mahesh and Bopanna are set to go up in arms as the deadline for the Olympics entry is April 2. It has also emerged that Sania Mirza, who has been recommended for a wild card, has reportedly expressed interest in partnering Mahesh in mixed doubles.