Lea-Hesh look to turn back the clock in Paris

New Delhi: As many as three re-unions spanning over 15 years and three grand slam titles that came along the way, the eternal optimist will surely not miss the fact that it was exactly ten years ago at Roland Garros in 2001 that Leander Paes and Mahesh Bhupathi popularly referred to as the 'Indian Express' won their last Major together.

Going into the 2011 French Open after yet another patch up earlier this year is surely the call of destiny which beckons a fairytale that by no means can go wrong this time around.

Well, a decade is a long time and though age may be considered to be directly proportionate to wisdom by some, sportsmen taking this long to reflect and analyse and come up with what's best for them will more often than not lead to catastrophic consequences.

More than time, it is the timing which has to be questioned and one may add has been the bone of contention as far as the pair is concerned.

When exactly did Leander and Mahesh split for the first time? Soon after reaching the finals of all four slams in 1999 and winning two (French Open, Wimbledon) of them.

When did Lea-Hesh go their separate ways for the second time? Soon after their French Open success in 2001.

No wonder that the cynics attributed the duo's coming together, to an Australian Open title which has continued to elude them inspite of them parting ways and trying out different partners.

Seeded number three at this year's French Open, the duo in fact attained the number one ranking when they captured the 2011 Miami Masters crown.

Both are still legends in their own right and when in full flow ran very close to former greats, Woodies (Mark Woodforde and Todd Woodbridge) and current top guns, the Bryan twins (Bob and Mike).

At their prime, the two complemented each other so magnificently on the court that the most ardent fans might have been forgiven to believe that it was the next best thing to synchronised swimming.

With a bagful of doubles and mixed doubles titles under their belt, Leander Paes and Mahesh Bhupathi seem to have turned a new leaf towards the end of their respective careers or are they trying to make up for lost time and opportunities?