Circa 1990. Colombo, Sri Lanka.
A 16-year-old Indian tennis prodigy, Leander Paes watches on, as another young countryman practices his booming backhand. He is a 15-year-old Mahesh Bhupathi, whose ‘monster backhand’ would soon come to instill fear in the minds of opponents worldover. The former walks up to the court. “Hi, I'm Leander,” he says.
“Hi, I'm Mahesh”, the other replies.
“Would you like to win Wimbledon?” Leander asks.
“You’re crazy!” Bhupati bursts out laughing.
“Yeah, I know, I’m crazy! But would you like to win Wimbledon?”
This tender conversation would become what was the origin of the Lee-Hesh bromance — a partnership that springboarded Indian tennis to global spotlight, in a “white man’s game”, and inspired generations of the country’s tennis players to come.
Paes and Bhupathi teamed up for the first time on-court in 1994, before grabbing ATP Challenger-level titles in 1995 and 1996. It wasn’t until 1997, though, that the duo would play together regularly. On home soil, they won their first ATP Tour title together at the Chennai Open, in April. Bhupathi’s mixed doubles French Open title (with Japan’s Rika Hiraki), later that year, also marked the first time an Indian had ever lifted a Grand Slam winners’ trophy.
In 1998, Bhupathi combined with Paes in men’s doubles to add six more ATP Tour titles to their list of honours, raising expectations of the first-ever all-Indian Grand Slam. The next year would bring them closer to that dream.
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة October 2021 من Man's World.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.
بالفعل مشترك ? تسجيل الدخول
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة October 2021 من Man's World.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.
بالفعل مشترك? تسجيل الدخول
Rekha At 70 The Enduring Mystique
More than a generation after she was last seen on screen, the mystique that she successfully wrapped herself in continues to serve her well in the public imagination. Her fleeting public appearances in dazzling silk sarees and makeup continue to beguile the camera in the same manner it did at the peak of her career
iPhone Fatigue
Do we really need an annual Apple flagship release?
Men's Guide To Combat Premature Hair Loss
Male pattern baldness hit men at an early age, at times in late 30s and early 40s. We asked the experts the reason behind it, treatments that can help, and factors to take care of
SMRITI MANDHANA MAKES CRICKET LOOK EASY
In conversation with Man's World for Hyundai Drive Within campaign, the stylish Indian batter talks about her craft, evolution, and her thoughts on women's cricket
Pritam Hitting The High Note
A National Award for Brahmastra: Part One Shiva this year and songs that continue to clock millions of streams, Pritam Chakraborty proves why he's one of the most acclaimed Hindi Film music directors of our time
JEMIMAH RODRIGUES IS HAVING THE TIME OF HER LIFE
In conversation with Man's World as a part of Hyundai Drive Within campaign, Jemimah Rodrigues take us through the drive within her that inspires her to be the best in her business.
SHAFALI VERMA IN A LEAGUE OF HER OWN
In conversation with Man's World India as a part of the Hyundai Drive Within campaign, Shafali Verma opens up about her historic double century, her fearless brand of cricket, and more
Hands Onl Seiko Prospex 1965 Heritage Diver's Watch SPB455 100th Anniversary Edition
Seiko's 100th anniversary of the first watch to bear its name brought an exciting addition to its famed Prospex collection; a timepiece that pays homage to the brand's iconic history while embracing modern ideas of versatile wearability
WATCHES ON THE WILD SIDE ATYPICAL CASE DESIGNS
Horology isn't just about precision. It's also about understanding the rules of perception-and sometimes, taking a sledgehammer to them
Denim The Timeless Trendsetter
Crystal Henricksen, Head of Denim Design at GAP, shares with us what makes the fabric simple, versatile, and timeless
