Rohan Bopanna said he is confident that his new association with 11 Grand Slam winner Mahesh Bhupathi on the professional Tour at the 2012 Chennai Open, in January, will augur well in the Olympic year.

Bhupathi and Bopanna announced in December that they would be teaming up in the new season with the focus on the London Olympics, in July 2012.

"I have known Hesh (Bhupathi) since I played my first Davis Cup match in 2002, so we go back a long way. I have also played a few tournaments with him in the past, and we do share an excellent rapport," said Bopanna.

"From my experience with Aisam I know that being friends pays rich dividends on the court, so I am hoping our camaraderie comes through on court. We are practicing hard to better understand each other's games and I am sure the efforts will pay off," he added.