At some point in between rallies during the semifinal on Friday, Martina Hingis turned to Leander Paes and joked, “Hey, we maybe should have played 10 years ago.” Ten years ago, it of course wasn’t possible. Hingis, only 24 back then but a legend nonetheless, was long into retirement. Recurring injuries had cut her remarkable career short. She tried a comeback in 2006, but retired again a year later after testing positive for cocaine at Wimbledon.

After spending six years away from the sport, away from the glamour and rigour of the tour, Hingis decided to return once again in 2013. But she had some ground rules. Hingis decided she would play only doubles and choose only those partners who could help her win.

She and Paes knew they were destined to partner each other at some point in their professional careers. For two seasons in USA’s World Team Tennis tournament, the pair had formed strong a reputation while playing for the Washington Kastles. But the 41-year-old Indian was hesitant to ask her. “Normally it’s the guy who comes up and asks, but for somebody who talks a lot, I’m kind of shy,” Paes says.

During last year’s US Open both their managerial teams floated the idea. On Sunday, looking at the ease with which they won the mixed doubles title in Melbourne, brushing aside defending champions Kristina Mladenovic and Daniel Nestor 6-4, 6-3 in 62 minutes, it was hard to guess this was their first tournament together.

They joked. They laughed. Played some mesmerising shots — not to forget Paes’ magical behind-the-back volley in the semifinals. And displayed chemistry as if they’ve shared courts for ages. “Our understanding of each other is amazing. She knows exactly what movements I’m going to do (and) I know what movements she’s going to do,” Paes said.

In almost all her post-match addresses, Hingis mentioned how she felt invincible on court with Paes by her side. Invincible, just like the teenaged Hingis who’d conquered women’s tennis at the age of 16. After a forced retirement and a failed dope test that restricted her comeback, Hingis hoped her second comeback would let her experience the thrill of professional sport once again; the feeling of being unconquerable, just like her younger days. “Leander has been there and done that before. He has given me a lot of confidence and we have a great chemistry,” Hingis, who spent 209 weeks as the world No.1 singles player, was quoted as saying .

While chasing his soaring personal ambitions, Paes has also been the vehicle for legends like her who’ve wished to experience the high of winning a Grand Slam title one last time. Just like he did with the other Martina — Martina Navratilova.

Two major titles with Martinas is another rare distinction in Paes’ long career, which has spanned two generations of tennis players. He won the mixed doubles at the Australian Open and Wimbledon in 2003 with Navratilova

It also serves as a reminder of his longevity, not that it needed any reminding. Paes had once mentioned he feared that his career would end when he was just 27 years old. But tete-a-tete with Jimmy Connors and later with Navratilova were pivotal, the legends sharing small tricks of the strenuous trade. Connors insisted on wearing new shoes and double socks every match to ensure ankles are not put under extreme pressure. Navratilova gave him tips on maintaining diet.

Avoiding injury

Training regime, too, has evolved over the years. At the wrong side of 40, daily training is more about injury prevention rather than refining technique. The result is evident. In a sport where the average age keeps on getting younger every passing year, Paes has defied age. Sunday’s was his 15th Grand Slam title, and a third Australian Open mixed doubles crown. For Hingis, this was her second mixed doubles title. Incidentally, her first was with Paes’ estranged doubles partner Mahesh Bhupathi during her first comeback in 2006.

Paes will now target to win the French Open to complete his set of doubles titles. And the plan is for the pair to reunite again in Paris after their success in Melbourne. “I’m ready if she lets me (to partner her),” Paes said with a cheeky grin. Hingis added: “Of course! It seems natural because we just really fulfil each other.”