'Tennis means the world to me'

Leander Paes: "Over the years, Sportstar has been a great source of information about all sports."

Tennis is my life. It means the world to me. It is an education to travel around the world and learn about different cultures, communities and lifestyles of people.

It has also helped me learn about my own strengths and weaknesses. It is the means to earn money, actually a good living. In the process, it has also helped me bring so much happiness and joy to so many people, especially when you play for the country.

Growing up in Chennai, my dream was to be on the cover of Sportstar. I still remember my first cover. It was when I won the Junior Wimbledon. It was great joy for me. Then, I wanted to be on the centrespread, the poster.

When it happened first, I had the same elation. Over the years, Sportstar has been a great source of information about all sports, especially through the in depth, factual stories of sports legends and heroes. Sportstar helped us know about the life styles of these heroes.

(As told to Kamesh Srinivasan)