“Tennis is a warrior’s game. Off the court, we may be friends, but on the court we are going at each other,” says Bopanna. The two met 15 years ago on tour, and when they started partnering in doubles a strong friendship was forged. Now they are known as much for their single’s game as for their victories together as double’s partners. “We travel together, have the same interests and even hang out together after the game. And I’m happy to see a friend doing so well,” says Qureshi who loves to dance and asks me about a good nightclub close by.

While one game unites them, it’s actually the other that has them squabbling. “We naturally support our own countries when an India-Pakistan match is on,” says Bopanna.

“Pakistan has never beaten India in a World Cup match. I think they’re going to beat them in the finals. You wait and watch,” challenges Qureshi.

Bollywood is another interest they share. Not a surprise considering I get the latest Hindi chartbuster as Bopanna’s cell phone tune. Though from Karnataka, the young player lived in Pune for a while and has his Hindi and Marathi down pat. And if there’s one thing our neighbours love about this country, it’s our movies. “I make sure to catch a movie whenever I come here,” says Qureshi naming a few latest releases he’s planning to watch. Then he also has to find time for a bit of shopping for his mother and sister.

Ask him if these are the only two women in his life and he says that’s because he’s just concentrating on his game now. “My friends tell me that there are a lot of girls who want to meet me, but I never get to see any. Why don’t they come to me?” he asks.