Fitness freak Paes inspired by Navratilova

Mumbai, October 15

Veteran Leander Paes says if he is still able to withstand the rigours of the physically demanding ATP Tour, the credit goes to legendary Martina Navratilova.

Navratilova, winner of an incredible 59 Grand Slam titles, including 18 singles,  teamed up with Paes in the latter part of her astonishing career. Paes said Navratilova transformed him into a fitness freak.

Two of her 10 mixed doubles Grand Slam trophies — Wimbledon and Australian Open in 2003 — came with Paes. She was the oldest player on Tour and was active when she was nearing 50.

“Navratilova taught us on how physical fitness was a pre-requisite. Navaratilova taught me the importance of physical fitness and that is the reason I had such a long career,” said Paes, who is 46. 

“She epitomises perseverance and the reinvention that an athlete can go through. Navratilova took fitness and gym work to a new level. To have played with Navratilova over three years and to being that close to her over time has helped me in my career, that at 46 I keep reinventing myself, my training methods, my diets and my fitness.”

Paes also had a successful pairing with Swiss great Martina Hingis and he had words of praise for her also. “Hingis taught me a lot about technique. Because I don’t consider myself a very talented tennis player, I am more of an athlete. I felt that playing with Hingis — her ground strokes, technique, volley or just technique itself was phenomenal. Playing with her I used to practise hours and the matches were just an extension of the practice sessions,” he said. — PTI