The International Tennis Hall of Fame is honoured to celebrate the induction of Leander Paes and Vijay Amritraj, marking the first time that Asian men have received this prestigious recognition, solidifying their legacy as legends of the game.
Former doubles World No. 1 Leander Paes shared anecdotes of his younger days, reminiscing about his love for football and hockey before transitioning to tennis. His journey led him to follow in the footsteps of his father, an Olympic hockey medalist. His illustrious career includes 18 Grand Slam titles in doubles and mixed doubles, as well as seven Olympic Games appearances, representing India.
Proudly presented by the iconic Martina Navratilova, Paes’ partnership with her resulted in Wimbledon and Australian Open mixed-doubles triumphs in 2003. During the enshrinement ceremony, Paes expressed his gratitude and humility, acknowledging the esteemed figures in the sport who have shaped tennis and the world at large.
Vijay Amritraj, a talented player on the court and a humanitarian off it, was honoured for his remarkable contributions to the sport. With 15 ATP singles titles and 399 match wins, Amritraj made a lasting impact on the history of tennis, propelling India to the Davis Cup finals in 1974 and 1987. His achievements and humanitarian work embody the spirit of the game and continue to inspire.
Joining Paes and Amritraj was esteemed British tennis journalist and author Richard Evans, who was inducted in the contributor category for his significant influence on the sport through his prolific work.
The induction of Paes and Amritraj elevated India to the global stage in tennis and marked the 28th nation represented in the Hall of Fame.
As the newest members of this exclusive group, Paes and Amritraj have beautifully encapsulated the sentiment of representing their nation on the world stage. For Paes, the honour is not solely about personal achievements, but about inspiring his fellow countrymen and proving that Asians can conquer the highest echelons of the sporting world.
Paes expressed his gratitude to the Indian community for their unwavering support and encouragement throughout his illustrious career. He fondly recalled his father’s words of wisdom, emphasizing the importance of self-belief, hard work, and passion, not only for personal accomplishments, but to serve as a beacon of inspiration for the world.
The induction of Leander Paes and Vijay Amritraj into the Tennis Hall of Fame serves as a timeless testament to their remarkable contributions to the sport and their enduring impact on the global tennis community. Their legacy will continue to inspire future generations and stand as a source of immense pride for their beloved nation, India.