This was the first time since the ugly Indian tennis soap opera went on air that Sania Mirza and Leander Paes got together on Wednesday as they put their energy to get themselves prepared for the fiery Olympic battle.

Eyewitness informs that the duo hit out for almost two hours in the afternoon. Sania worked on her forehand while Leander concentrated on his backhand. The body language was professional and betrayed very little of the goings-on in the recent past.

After the practice session, Leander said: "I want my partner to be comfortable. It doesn't matter which side I play. I have won Wimbledon with Lisa Raymond playing from the backhand side." Sania sounded relieved. "It helps me a great deal to play from the forehand side because returning is my strength and I will be able to give Leander maximum support."

Leander tried his best to duck controversial questions and simply offered: "I have been much disrespected over the last month but all of it is now in the past. All I want to do now is to play for my country and my partners."

Sania, too, sounded keen to leave the bad blood behind, at least for the time being. "It is the Olympics and it is at Wimbledon and Leander has always given his best for the country. We hope to do it together this time. This opportunity will never again come in our lifetime."

Well, we must appreciate Sania, the way she has handled all along!

Source: TNN