Matthew Ebden is touched by the warmth of India and Leander Paes

He is particularly impressed with Paes’s ‘’guile, and mysterious ways, of backing himself, and finding a way to win”

Matthew Ebden was a top-40 singles player, but is now more familiar now as the Wimbledon doubles champion with Max Purcell. As brand ambassador for the Tennis Premier League to be staged in Pune, the 34-year-old said that he would do his best to bring the world to India, as he spoke to The Hindu from his home in Perth on Tuesday.

A big fan of Leander Paes, and friend of other Indian tennis players, Ebden loves India. He has visited the country many times, competed in many cities, and won the singles medal in the Delhi Commonwealth Games in 2010.

Quite proud about his success with Aussie teammates, Samantha Stosur, ‘’a legend with Grand Slam wins in singles, doubles and mixed doubles’’ and Purcell, Ebden pointed out that he has had success with foreign partners as well, including Paes.

‘’I have been in touch with Leander for many years. I always wanted to play with him before he stopped playing. We had played in Dubai, Pune, and Bengaluru before Covid-19 stopped everything. I learnt so much from him, and inspired so much, especially in doubles. Even now, he has been messaging me through Wimbledon, and cheering me. He wants the best for me,’’ said Ebden.

He was particularly impressed with Paes’s ‘’guile, and mysterious ways, of backing himself, and finding a way to win’’.

As far as India is concerned, Ebden is touched by the warmth, friendly and caring nature of the Indian players and people.