Rio Olympics: Rohan Bopanna writes to AITA, doesn't want Leander Paes as doubles partner

New Delhi: In a shocking development, Indian tennis player Rohan Bopanna has written a letter to All India Tennis Association (AITA) where he has asked the federation to pair him with Saketh Myneni and not Leander Paes for upcoming Rio Olympics 2016.

According to a report in CNN News 18, Bopanna wrote to AITA expressing his choice of doubles partner for the quadrennial event.

The move is shocking as Bopanna's letter has come one day ahead of the selection committee's meeting.

Bopanna, being the World No. 10 in men's doubles, has earned a direct entry to the biggest sporting extravaganza.

Paes, who is ranked 46 in the world at the moment, won the mixed doubles title with Martina Hingis at the French Open. The legend is also India’s highest-ranked doubles player after Bopanna.

It is surprising to see that Bopanna has opted for Myneni, who is ranked 125. Bopanna- Myneni pair has played together earlier in Davis Cup but they hardly managed to make an impact.

Despite Bopanna's preference, it's the federation which will take the final call on the players.

The selection committee will meet to decide India’s teams for the Olympics on June 11.