Break Point: There is more to tennis duo Leander Paes & Mahesh Bhupathi partnership

For every sport out there, the recognition of the sports in a country goes hand in hand with its Sports Stars. And for those born in the 90s or even those with any semblance of interest in Lawn Tennis (cause Tennis also means Table Tennis), Leander Paes and Mahesh Bhupathi are akin to Sachin Tendulkar and Saurav Ganguly. They took tennis to the heights never imagined before, let alone seen. From their golden streak together to very public spat against each other, the Ley-Hesh pair has gone through it all.

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How they came Together

The doubles players of Leander Paes and Mahesh Bhupathi were so successful and well known that they were titled, ‘Indian Express’. Among the hundreds of doubles partners of Paes, Mahesh Bhupathi turned out to be the most successful. They reigned the court for nearly 2 decades (1994-2011), winning 2 Grand Slams in a year. 

Troubled Waters

Even during these years of partnership Paes on several occasions questioned the sportsmanship of Bhupathi while the latter would go as far as calling the former a back stabber. Although they grouped together several times to play for the country, it was both an unsuccessful and unsatisfying venture. Finally too much water was under the bridge and they decided to call it quits to their partnership. 

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Past Revisited 

The duo has in the past chosen to be silent on the reason for falling out, something not in line with their earlier social media outbursts against each other. The very public disagreement led to a lot of curious gossip mothers in search of the entire story. But for a long time both the players refrained. They have however finally decided to take hold on the narrative in a soon to be released document-series ‘Break Point’ which will trace their journey, both the highs and lows.

Also Read: Break Point: Highlighting bromance and breakup of India’s greatest tennis double