Sania has long way to go, says Leander Paes

Jaipur, Feb 16 (UNI) Sania Mirza might be called the tennis sensation in a country short of icons but tennis star Leander Paes said the 20-year-old Hyderabadi still has a long way to go.

Paes, who was on a short visit here today, told newsmen that she was looking fitter and slimmer, besides the timing in her shots were looking really good.

He was, however, sure that the dream girl will go a long way and would bring laurels for the nation.

He also wished her good luck for her decision to pair Mahesh Bhupathi for the mixed doubles.

Referring to India's dismal showing against Uzbekistan in the recently concluded Davis Cup tie, Paes said it was 'definitely disapointing' but admitted that having three debutants- Sunil Kumar, Karan Rastogi and Shokin in the team did not help matters.

He said the country had only one singles players in the team for a long time, which was Ramesh Krishnan and then he himself.

''It is too demanding from one single player,'' he said.

Paes, who has the distinction of winning the Bronze medal for the country at Atlanta Olympics in individual event after 44 years, still maintained that it has been his biggest achievement so far.

The tennis ace said he had been training for five to seven hours every day to keep himself fit.

When asked who was the toughest opponent he faced, he replied that it was Andre Agassi while veteran Rod Lever had been his role model.

He also conceded that Martina Hingis had been a great motivator for him during Wimbledon 2003 as she partnered him despite having high temprature that time.

Before signing off, he also wished Team India ''Good Luck'' for the World Cup in West Indies next month.

UNI