It's time that India start talking about singles than relishing the doubles Grand Slam titles, says Mahesh Bhupathi, who reckons that the game of tennis, for an exciting future in country, needs at least 10 singles players in top-100.
India has produced only four Grand Slam winners but all in doubles. Bhupathi is the second-most successful Indian tennis player with 12 Major trophies. Only Leander Paes (18) has won more.
India's Davis Cup captain said even if India win any more doubles Grand Slam title, it won't make much of an impact and what is required is consistent success in the singles main draws at big tournaments.
"Do you really want people to win doubles Grand Slams? We have won like 30 of them. I think it's time to start talking about singles. I don't think anybody will get excited if anybody wins anymore doubles Grand Slams," Bhupathi said in an interview with PTI.
"Between Leander, Sania, me and Rohan, we have got 30-35 Grand Slams. It's time for people to start winning in the singles Grand Slams main draw."
"He's very hungry and you can see the motivation when he played in Pune (Tata Open Maharashta) and in Australian Open. He's still got a lot of fire left in him. I think he will play the next Olympics for sure."
"He's got a great chance. But it depends on his ranking. Whoever is ranked highest will make it. There's no doubt about it. The cutoff for the Olympics is very high."
"They have been playing well, already won a tournament this year. Doubles is always an important game in Davis Cup. We are hoping that we win that point. They both are on a high."
"Djokovic and Nadal are going to be there for a few years, don't worry. Roger is still there. He won the Australian Open last year. So let's not discount him. If you want to write him off, please do it at your own risk."
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