Mahesh Bhupathi, Partner Win French Mixed Doubles Title: Krishnan Lauds

PARIS: India’s Davis Cup player and Number 2, Mahesh Bhupathi, hoisted the Indian Flag on the tennis courts of Paris at the Frenchas he and his partner, Rika Hiraki of Japan, won the Mixed Doubles Championship in straight sets 6-4 6-1 beating the American pair of Patrick Galbraith and Lisa Raymond, the top seed.

Hiraki-Bhupathi pair was the 16th seed but both played superb tennis to beat the favorites.

Earlier India’s Number 1, Leander Paes was beaten in the second round of Men’s singles.

Bhupathi’s win was hailed by India’s top player of yesteryears, Ramanathan Krishnan.

In a New Delhi report, Indian tennis virtuoso Ramanathan Krishnan, himself once top man in Indian tennis and father of another former Number 1, Ramesh Krishnan, lauded Bhupathi’s Mixed Doubles title win describing it a "fitting effort when the country is celebrating the 50th year of Independence."

"It is an outstanding feat and a handsome win. I am very happy and this is the right type of victory to motivate Mahesh to work harder," the elated maestro told PTI from Chennai when contacted over telephone.

The former Davis Cup stalwart said, "I have been connected with the game as a player and Davis Cup Captain for so many years. I have always noticed that youngsters (Mahesh is 23 years old) who do well in doubles finally end up playing very well in singles also."

Ramanathan Krishnan, regarded the most complete tennis player of India who twice entered the Wimbledon Singles semifinals, said the win on clay by Bhupathi should be an added incentive.

"It will be very good for his confidence, especially when he plays Davis Cup ties on clay in the future," he said adding that the win would also be a great motivating factor for all aspiring tennis players in the country. (PTI)

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