Yuki, Vardhan ready for Olympics

Amid the raging controversy surrounding Indian tennis, young guns Yuki Bhambri and Vishnu Vardhan said they are ready to partner Leander Paes at the London Olympics.

Yuki (World No. 219) and Vardhan (328) are in the running to partner Paes after Mahesh Bhupathi and Rohan Bopanna refused to share the court alongside the 1996 Atlanta Games bronze medallist.

Yuki said Bhupathi-Paes remained India's best players but he was up for the Olympic challenge if two men's doubles teams were sent to the competition.

"It would be a great opportunity for someone like me or Vishnu. I am just back from playing in the qualifiers of Wimbledon which is also the Olympic venue. Though I have not heard from them, I hope the selectors will make the best possible decision," Bhambri, lost in the first round of Wimbledon qualifiers, told a television channel.

The All Indian Tennis Association (AITA) is racing against time to sort out the selection row as the International Tennis Federation's (ITF) deadline for sending entries ends Thursday.

Vardhan, on the other hand, said he would try to convince Paes to play alongside him at the London Games.

"I am ready for the challenge if the need arises. I am sure AITA is considering all the options and they will pick the best team," said Vardhan.

"I have grown up watching Leander and Mahesh and they have done so much for the country in the last 20 years. However, I am ready to play if they ask me to," Vardhan said.

Vardhan said he had not spoken to Paes yet but would try convince him if AITA decides to sent two teams to London with the other one featuring Bhupathi and Bopanna.

"He (Paes) always helps me out with my tennis and we have been in constant touch. But I have not spoken to Leander on the Olympics yet. Probably I will call him now," said Vardhan.