Mumbai: In the twilight of his international career, 12-time Grand Slam winner Mahesh Bhupathi said, on Tuesday, that he had probably played his last match for the country.
Stung by the two-year ban imposed on him, the veteran tennis star hit back at AITA, accusing the game’s Indian governing body of resorting to a “divide-and-rule” policy and said its “dictatorial attitude” is harmful for Indian tennis.
A hurt Bhupathi made a scathing attack on AITA and its president Anil Khanna, who, he alleged, was playing “dirty politics” and creating a rift among players, especially between him and Leander Paes.
“Khanna has redefined the term divide and rule. AITA and its dictatorial attitude, and its administration are harmful for the future of Indian tennis,” Bhupathi said at a press conference, finally breaking his silence after the months-long controversy.
Asked why he took so long to speak out, the Bangalorean said that he had been just trying to get on with his game despite the frustrating turn of events, but the ban was the “tilting point.”
The tennis pro said he had no choice but to accept the ban but was now exploring legal options.
“I don’t know if we can do anything, but there is no option not to accept the ban. We will definitely pursue a legal route,” he said.
Bhupathi minced no words has he launched an attack against Khanna: “He used Leander’s shoulder to fire the gun against me multiple times.”
Bhupathi said he was available for last week’s Davis Cup tie against New Zealand and that he was not informed about the ban by AITA.
“I always feel like playing for India. I was available for the tie last week but no one from AITA asked me. I actually got an email about the ban from a press person.
“I played my last match for India in the present circumstances and next year will be my last on the tour. A lot of people celebrated on the day we lost (in the Olympics),” he said, but added a plea to the Sports Ministry or Indian Olympic Association to intervene.
Bhupathi also alleged that AITA has worked against him in his efforts to give back to tennis in the country by organising events, raising funds and opening tennis academies.
“Anil [Khanna] has been upset with me for being able to develop talent, which he should have done. For developing avenues and for developing the game,” he said.
Bhupathi claimed to have offered to partner with AITA in these initiatives, but Khanna had refused. He also alleged that the AITA president runs the body as a one man show.
Despite the reported bitterness between the two, Bhupathi refrained from blaming Paes for the Olympic selection fiasco.
“Leander is not to be blamed. He is playing the part of a professional tennis player and he wants to do the best he can do. It is no secret that he should have been the right choice for mixed doubles in the Olympics based on past performance,” said Bhupathi, although he did not go into his reasons for being unwilling to partner Paes in the doubles event.
He also did not want his doubles partner Rohan Bopanna to be dragged into the controversy any further.
“Rohan will play for many more years and he needs to continue with a different partner. He should stay away from this as he has a long career ahead.”
Bhupathi also made it clear that 2013 will be his last year on the ATP tour. The multiple Grand Slam winner said that he wasn’t sure if he would play a full schedule next year.
“I am at the fag end of my career. Next year will definitely be my last on tour,” the 38-year-old said.
Bhupathi will partner Canadian Daniel Nestor next season. (PTI)