Ramkumar: 'I would say 'Yes' when Leander calls'

"On Friday (Oct.21) Leander called me. I always wanted to play with him. He’s a legend. Of course, I would say 'Yes' if Leander calls me and then it happened,'' said Ramanathan after winning his first round match.

Leander Paes took the initiative to play men's doubles at the $ 50,000 KPIT-MSLTA Challenger with Ramkumar Ramanathan.

India's Davis Cup star and several times Grand Slam doubles winner, Leander Paes took the initiative to play men's doubles at the $ 50,000 KPIT-MSLTA Challenger with Ramkumar Ramanathan.

"On Friday (Oct.21) Leander called me. I always wanted to play with him. He’s a legend. Of course, I would say 'Yes' if Leander calls me and then it happened,'' said Ramanathan after winning his first round match here on Tuesday.

"He was in Moscow and flying out. I was already because you never know if you lose a match and there is no tournament. He decided to come here and I am really happy.

"I have practiced doubles with him during the Davis Cup training sessions. It’s great to be standing next to him and playing. It’s really a great motivation for me and I am going to push myself hard,'' said Ramanathan."