Seven-time Olympian and multiple Grand Slam winner Leander Paes has said that he has not been allotted accommodation along with other Indian athletes at the Games village in Rio.
In an exclusive interview with The Times of India, the Indian tennis legend said on Thursday, "I am slightly disappointed that having played six Olympics for India, I haven't been given a place to stay. I was playing a tournament in New York and took the first flight on its completion. The match got over at 8 and took a 10.45 flight to Rio."
He said that coach Zeeshan Ali, his doubles partner Rohan Bopanna and the physiotherapist had been put up in an apartment.
Till Thursday, there was speculation that Paes had refused to a share room with Rohan at the Games, Rohan Bopanna given their stormy relationship in the past.
The TOI report quoted Zeeshan Ali as saying, "There have been speculations that Leander has complained that he doesn't want to share a room with Rohan (Bopanna), but there's no truth to it. I and the organisers were aware that he was to reach Rio on Thursday (August 4). Sure he will be low on time for the match on August 6, but he practiced on arriving will be ready for the match."
Even in the run up to the Games, Boppana the highest ranked doubles player had asked for youngster Saketh Myneni but was turned down by the All India Tennis Association.