I was honoured when Martina Navratilova ordered me to play: Leander Paes

Tennis star Leander Paeshas been conferred the prestigious Padma Bhushan. Paes, who's won 14 Grand Slams and India's first Olympic medal at tennis singles, spoke with Arun Sharma about Indian tennis' transitional phase, his toughest challenge, future aims — plus teaming up with Mahesh Bhupathi and Martina Navratilova:
How do you view Indian tennis today?
It's in a state of flux.Mahesh, Sania, Rohan and i are at the fag end of our careers although we're still performing well on tour. A new batch of players, led by Somdev, Yuki Bhambri, Saketh Myneni, N Jeevan, Sanam Singh, etc., will take some time to establish themselves in the ATP circuit, although their performance in Davis Cup is encouraging.
Isn't tennis still an elite sport?
Yes, it is an elite sport in India, played at social clubs. Ramanathan Krishnan, Naresh Kumar, Jaideep Mukherjee, Premjit Lal, Vijay Amritraj, they're all products of parental encouragement and social club affiliation.
Now, with Mahesh, Rohan, Sania and i, the game has spread. It's evolved to multiple tennis academies that have sprouted all over the country, especially in smaller cities and towns. But a lot more community and school courts should be built.
Problems arise when Indian players reach international standards. Costs multiply to $150,000 annually. Then, development grinds to a halt.
You mentioned Mahesh Bhupathi — why did your famed partnership with him end so bitterly?
The break-up took place in 2000-2001. That was a long time ago. I don't want to delve into that. We've both moved on and were successful with different partners. We have a basic respect for each others' achievements.
Recent off-court skirmishes refer to the Davis Cup captaincy and the London Olympic selection — these are unfortunate and not of my making. As far as possible, i've stayed away from controversy. There was a difference of opinion in the selection process — my stance was, we had a good chance of winning the Olympic doubles and hence we should send the best team. After all, by politicking and shuffling, we won nothing.
I now plan to enjoy the few years i have left to play tennis.
What are your aims?
To get back to the Davis Cup team in 2015, win the Rio Olympics in 2016, win the World Doubles Championship and the mixed doubles career Grand Slam.
What's been your toughest challenge so far?
I collapsed in Wimbledon while winning the mixed doubles finals with Martina Navratilova in 2003. I was diagnosed to have a brain tumour. It took a week to identify it as neurocysticercosis which was treatable — that was the longest week in my life. The treatment took three months and i put on 15 kilos due to steroids.
Can you describe playing with Martina Navratilova?
It's no secret that i'm Martina's biggest fan and now her good friend. Once Billy Jean King stated, 'Martina is the greatest singles, doubles and mixed doubles player that ever lived.'
She re-defined the women's game by bringing in fitness and power. I was honoured when she 'ordered' me to play mixed doubles with her. Our temperaments and attacking styles blended superbly. We won the Australian Open and Wimbledon in 2003 and were finalists in the Australian and French Open in 2004 and 2005 respectively. Our friendship is special.