Emotional Leander Paes breaks down before playing his last ATP event in India

Leander Paes has been the greatest legend in the world of Indian sports over the last three decades. With an Olympic bronze medal in the singles event, the longevity and the consistency that the tennis superstar from Calcutta has exhibited will forever be etched in history books. The 46-year old who had announced his retirement after an unending service to the game of tennis at the end of 2020 is all geared up to take part in his last ATP event in India, the very thought of which made Paes emotional.

"It is not going to be easy. Over the last few years, I have played in front of packed stadiums, with fans shouting my name and motivating me to do well each time. I will try hard to not get emotional, but it will not be easy. I hope to go out with one last roar," Paes said on the sidelines of the Tata Open in Pune, Maharashtra.

The star, who appeared in his 97th Grand Slam appearance when he played in the Australian Open last month, is expected to end his career with 100 Grand Slam appearances. He might sneak in to play a record 8th Olympics as well, which will truly cap off a memorable career for the stalwart.

Though Paes has been embroiled in a number of controversies over the years - including the infamous spat with Mahesh Bhupathi that led to the end of the world's most successful men's doubles pair - the player's legacy will be his passion and the un-flickering determination, with which he took the court in every game. Tennis enthusiasts bonded with his visible emotions, and as the legend gets ready to bid farewell with one last tournament in India, one can expect him to wield his best yet again with the racket in hand.