Renowned Indian tennis player Leander Paes and broadcaster Vijay Amritraj have achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first Asian men to be honoured with induction into the esteemed International Tennis Hall of Fame. This accomplishment represents a significant moment for the representation of Asian athletes within the global tennis community. The official induction of the International Tennis Hall of Fame Class of 2024 will take place on Saturday in Newport, Rhode Island, where these Indian legends will take their place among an elite group of 264 inductees from 27 nations.
Leander Paes, a former world No. 1 in doubles and a winner of 18 Grand Slam titles in doubles and mixed doubles, expressed his gratitude for the honour, describing it as the ultimate acknowledgement for any tennis player. With a career spanning three decades, Paes has set numerous records, including being one of only three men in tennis history to achieve a career Grand Slam in both doubles and mixed doubles. He also shares the record for the most mixed doubles titles in history with Hall of Famer Martina Navratilova. In addition to his remarkable achievements in Grand Slam tournaments, Paes has spent a total of 462 weeks inside the ATP doubles top 10 and has captured 55 doubles titles on tour.
Vijay Amritraj, a prominent figure in the world of broadcasting and promotion, has also made significant contributions to the sport of tennis. His induction into the contributor category is a testament to his pioneering efforts and visionary leadership, which have had a transcendent impact on the global tennis community. Alongside Amritraj, renowned journalist and writer Richard Evans from the United Kingdom will also join the Class of 2024 in the contributor category.
Kim Clijsters, the Honorary President of the International Tennis Hall of Fame and a Hall of Famer herself, congratulated Paes, Amritraj, and Evans on their well-deserved election, emphasizing their role as trailblazers in tennis and their contribution to the worldwide growth of the sport. Clijsters also spoke for the global tennis community in expressing excitement for the upcoming celebration of the Class of 2024.
The election of Leander Paes as the winner of the Hall of Fame’s annual Fan Vote earlier this year further underscores the widespread support and admiration for his accomplishments. With a record number of fans casting their ballots, Paes’ induction into the International Tennis Hall of Fame has been reaffirmed as a remarkable achievement that resonates with the tennis community worldwide.
In conclusion, the induction of Leander Paes and Vijay Amritraj into the International Tennis Hall of Fame marks a significant moment for Asian representation in the sport of tennis. Their remarkable careers and contributions have left an indelible mark on the tennis world and continue to inspire aspiring athletes around the globe. As the 28th nation to be represented in the Hall of Fame, India takes pride in celebrating the achievements of these two esteemed individuals as they receive the ultimate recognition in the tennis world.