“I Play With The Flag on My Sleeve and in My Heart” – Leander Paes During The Farewell Speech at Maharashtra Open 2020

All good things come to an end, so does the flourishing tennis careers of legendary athletes. The 18-time Grand Slam champion Leander Paes will be calling off his triumphant tennis career this season, after touring for nearly 30 years on the ATP Tour.

At the Maharashtra Open 2020, it was his last professional appearance at the event. Paes bid goodbye to his home-tournament and was emotional while addressing the crowd. The 1996 Olympic bronze medallist Leander Paes reminisced his early years on the men’s tour during his speech.

‘One Last Roar’ – Leander Paes

He expressed gratitude to loved his ones and the people who supported him to become a pioneer in the sport. Predominantly he thanked his fans who kept his spirits high, and pushed him to hit that one extra tennis ball every time he picked up his racquet.

He also thanked the ATP Tour. “To my fellow contemporaries on the ATP Tour, ATP officials, and trainers. I would like to say thank you very much. Because of all of you, who gave this young boy from Calcutta a chance to the best I can be,” Paes showed appreciation.

Leander Paes terms his farewell season on the ATP circuit as the ‘one last roar’. He will be completing the 2020 season and the 46-year-old tennis adept will make his 100th appearance in Grand Slams at US Open 2020. 

“I think my career speaks for itself, that I am a very proud Indian. I play with the flag on my sleeve and in my heart, and I hope that the last 30 years have motivated children so that they can be champions as well. Thank you so much India,” Paes concluded.

Up next, Paes will be seen at Bengaluru Open ATP Challenger. He’s teaming up with Matthew Ebden from Britain. The duo will play against Zhang Zhizhen and Blaz Rola in the first round on Wednesday.