Blessed to have a long career: Paes

Around for 30 years in the professional circuit, Indian tennis star Leander Paes feels "blessed to have such a long career", having won 18 Grand Slam doubles titles and accumulated close to 1000 racquets.

Just two weeks before his 46th birthday, Paes won his opening round men's doubles match alongside France's Benoit Paire at the French Open here.

"I've been around for 30 years, I've been around a long time. I've seen 12 generations. I've seen guys like (Pete) Sampras here, I've seen guys like (Pat) Rafter," Paes said after his French Open first round match.

"Tennis has been a beautiful journey for me, I've been very blessed to have such a long career. Especially here, to win this four times."

Four French Open doubles titles since starting his journey in 1989, Paes' victims have included a young Roger Federer in Indian Wells qualifying.

"I have a collection of close to 1,000 racquets. I have Rod Laver's, I have a lot of the champions' -- Federer, Nadal, (Novak) Djokovic, Andy ...