Mysuru: Former national tennis champion Enrico Piperno who has also imparted training to Leander Paes from 1990 to 1993 believes that if Leander Paes continues playing in the Davis cup he will not make way for the next person to come in his place.

Enrico who has coached Indian Davis cup team for nearly 10 years says, “43 years old Leander Paes is great ambassador for our sport, I feel now that time has come for him to retire for the simple reason that he must encourage the next generation. Leander Paes has played for India for more than 20 years and his achievement is immense. Now he is 43-year-old and his ranking too has dropped. Keeping this all in mind, he should take a call. If he continues playing then he is taking some one’s place in the team and not allowing next person to come in his place. His current form is going down, this is tennis, one can’t cover you like in that of team event including cricket. Hope this will be his last Davis Cup.”
“After taking retirement he should start encouraging and passing his valuable experience to younger generation” added Enrico who traveled with Leander Paes and Mahesh Bhupathi when they were the No 1 Doubles pair in the world. Has also coached the Indian Women’s Federation Cup team and has worked with Sania Mirza in this capacity. During Enrico’s training, Paes stood number one in the world in the world junior tennis category.