Leander Paes to launch academy in Mumbai post Rio Olympics?

Looks like Leander Paes will follow in the footsteps of former doubles partner Mahesh Bhupathi. The buzz is that the doubles specialist will open a tennis academy post the Rio Olympics next year. Leander has not released an official statement as yet, but plans for the academy are said to be underway. One of the locations Leander is said to be looking at is Khar, in suburban Mumbai.

Dr Vece Paes, Leander’s father, did not confirm the rumours, but he didn’t deny them either.

Also read: Before any big match I always call Aiyana: Leander Paes

“Leander is currently focusing on Rio, his ranking and his court cases. He has a lot going on,” Dr Paes said. “If he has any plans of opening an academy, he will only announce it once the Rio Olympics are over.”

The Bhupathi tennis academy has branches all around the country, though the one at The Club in Mumbai shut down two years ago.

Leander has held coaching clinics at venues like MSLTA (Maharashtra State Lawn Tennis Association) and Khar Gymkhana in the past. He is also on good terms with All India Tennis Association (AITA) president Anil Khanna. It is possible, therefore, that they will join forces on a coaching scheme. But for that, trainees have to wait till the Rio Olympics.