New Delhi: Star player Leander Paes on Tuesday vowed to show his rookie teammates the way in order to help them make a worthy debut for India in the upcoming Davis Cup tie against South Korea, but acknowledged that the task ahead is "tough".
Paes joined the Indian training camp today and practiced for close to two hours with Purav Raja, his doubles partner for the tie starting Friday, and reserves Arjun Kadhe and Ashwin Vijayraghavan the R K Khanna Tennis stadium.
Three Indian players will make their Davis Cup debut while Paes has been representing the country in the tournament for the last 20 years.
11 top players, including Somdev Devvarman, Mahesh Bhupathi and Rohan Bopanna, had recently started a revolt against AITA, demanding better playing conditions, and in the process making themselves unavailable for the tie.
"We have been in this positions a few times, basically leading the team into a tie. Boys are going to have some nerves coming into the tie. I am looking to basically cushion some of that butterflies, the guys will have," the 39-year old multiple Grand Slam champion told reporters here.
"It all depends on how an individual handles the occasion. For me call of the day is to tell them how to handle it. I will show them. We have a tough task ahead," Paes added.
Paes had some encouraging words to say for his teammates.
"Yes there are rookies in our team. The exuberance, the fire is with them, you can see some nerves in them. You can see them looking up to the occasion, which is fresh and nice. This is my 24th year in Davis Cup and it`s nice to come into a team that is pushing me hard, getting us to practice hard."
Like India, there are not much higher-ranked players in the Korean camp, but Paes rated the rivals highly.
"Koreans are always a tough bunch. They have a lot of physical fitness, fast as a sporting community. They are always tough opponents. It`s a while that I have played Koreans but I expect nothing different this time," he said.
It was a sweet gesture on his part as Paes first involved captain S P Misra and then his partner Raja in the media interaction.
Asked how he views this tie, in the backdrop of the controversy, he replied, "I am not really not in this one. I am neither here nor there. For me the most important thing is to play, play best, put my best foot forward. That`s what I do best. I have done that throughout my career. Athletes are best playing the game."
Paes said it was a great opportunity for Purav, who is based in the US, to represent the country.
"I am practising with Purav for just under two years. He`s my practice partner in Bombay when I go back. To play with your country`s cap is a huge honour. It`s not something we take it very lightly.
"You see it`s my 24th year and I am still out here with youngsters, pushing myself. For me the greatest joy is to play for country. Great thing for Purav to come out and play, hope he`s ready to carry my bag," Paes said.
When pointed out that the Koreans look more intimidating going by physical fitness, Paes said there was no need to worry.
"Professional tennis is physical and mental game anyway. We have proved that we are world champions, in various sport we have won gold medals. So, this just another tie.
"Of course they are a formidable team. For us, this team is a journey, going through transition. It`s important for us to keep performing for country and keep playing for flag. Keep playing for the country is a big responsibility, thats` why I am here," he said.
PTI
First Published: Tuesday, January 29, 2013, 19:33