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Tennis

After he announced a change in partnership for the 2010 season, Mahesh Bhupathi speaks exclusively to Mobile ESPN.

By Bhagya L Ayyavoo

Even though the 11 times Grand Slam doubles champ has teamed up with old partner Max Mirnyi, Bhupathi could be seen playing the 2010 Aircel Chennai Open minus the Belarusian.

Bhagya Ayyavoo: Did the 2009 season live up to your expectations?

Mahesh Bhupathi: It's been pretty good. We finished number three in the world. It was another solid year. So, I am happy with the way it went.

BA: There were two big misses for you, one at the Australian Open and the other at the US Open. Are you kicking yourself a little for not making it 13 Majors?

MB: We tried hard. I made it to three Grand Slam finals in one year. I don't think there's too much to complain. One win out of three is not bad.

BA: Any particular thing you would like to change in the coming year?

MB: I have new partner next year. I'm playing with Max Mirnyi. So, that's a big change. But, we have played in the past and we've had some good success. So, we're looking forward to it.

BA: Your last major doubles title was with Max. So, is the target already set for 2010?

MB: Yes. Obviously, we would like to win the big ones and we both won a lot in the past. We both have been No.1 before. So, I think we both have enough power. Tennis is a very powerful game now. So, we both hopefully can compete to finish as No.1 next year.

BA: If you're to reflect on your partnership with Mark Knowles that just ended, was there something missing? Could it have been better than it was?

MB: We had two great years - two years when we finished 2008 and 2009 as the No.3 team in the world. We were very solid throughout the year and nothing to complain about. But, I just feel may be Max and me will have that little extra firepower to compete with the No.1 and No.2 teams.

BA: Where will you be starting next year?

MB: We're still going to talk over the next 10 days and decide our schedule.

BA: Any chances of you making it to the Aircel Chennai Open?

MB: I will be at the Aircel Chennai Open. But I am not sure Max will come because it's pretty far for him.

BA: How would you rate this season for Indian tennis?

MB: Leander won two titles. I made two doubles finals and a mixed doubles title between me and Sania. Everyone kept asking ‘who next, who next?' and Yuki (Bhambri) came through and won a Grand Slam (junior) title. There's so much going on. I don't think we can really complain. I think hopefully it will continue like this every year.

BA: How should we prepare ourselves and plan for the 2010 season?

MB: We should continue with what we're doing. Obviously, we're doing something right. Hopefully, Yuki can make the transition to the men's game pretty soon. Yuki, Somdev (Devvarman) and Rohan (Bopanna) should have a good run. India is in the World Group of Davis Cup after 11 years. So, that's also very exciting.

BA: Looking ahead at the future of Indian tennis, despite having a good number of Futures events, we don't have a single Challenger tournament in India. What are your thoughts on it?

MB: Obviously, more the tournaments in India the better for our kids. I think Yuki has won five or six Futures (titles) and he already got his ranking at 350. When I was playing singles 15 years ago, we didn't even have those opportunities. There're a lot more opportunities today than they were in the past. So, they should take them with open hands.

BA: Anything that your sports and entertainment company Globosport, can do to help bring Challenger events to India?

MB: No, the All India Tennis Association is doing a good job with the tournament. I think they will continue doing that.

BA: You had gone through this phase that Somdev's experiencing now, where there are high expectations whenever he steps onto the court. How do you see him handling that?

MB: He's doing a good job. He has finished the whole year on tour. He's still in the Top 125. So, I am sure, he's looking forward to coming back and playing in India in Chennai, defending his points and again showcasing his talent. He had a great year in Davis Cup for us. I am sure he'll do what he has to do.

BA: What impact did Andre Agassi's Open controversy have on you?

MB: He's obviously a legend. He's a great player. He must have been at a very tough point in his career. People don't understand the pressure that goes into being a global superstar. If he had to resort to something like that, I am sure it would have been a tough time in his career. But, I don't think it takes anything away from him, his tennis, his achievements and all the good work he does off the court.

BA: Have you ever gone through such a low in your career?

MB: These opportunities are always available. I guess, either you're strong enough or weak, to say ‘no' at the right time.