Indian tennis icons Leander Paes and Vijay Amritraj have been bestowed with the esteemed honour of induction into the International Tennis Hall of Fame. This prestigious accolade was bestowed upon Paes in the Player Category, while Amritraj and Evans were acknowledged as part of the Contributor Category.
This remarkable accomplishment increases the total number of legends from 28 nations represented in the Hall of Fame to 267. Paying homage to Paes was his former mixed-doubles partner, Martina Navratilova, who clinched the 2003 Wimbledon and Australian Open mixed-doubles titles with Paes.
Navratilova, a 59-time grand slam champion, lauded Paes for his exceptional prowess and contribution to the game, hailing him as an artist on the court and an incredible athlete. She expressed her pride in competing against him and commended him for bringing honour to his family, sports, and, above all, India. This heartfelt tribute epitomizes the admiration and respect that Paes has garnered throughout his illustrious career.
In response to his induction, Paes expressed his deep honour at being recognised alongside the legends of the game who inspired him every single day of his life. His journey from playing street cricket and street football barefoot in Calcutta to the esteemed stage of the International Tennis Hall of Fame is a testament to his unwavering dedication and exceptional talent.
The induction also celebrated Vijay Amritraj, who achieved the men’s singles quarterfinals at Wimbledon and the US Open twice each, and played a pivotal role in guiding India to the Davis Cup finals in 1974 and 1987. At his peak, he was ranked No.18 in the world in singles and No. 23 in doubles.
The extraordinary recognition of Paes and Amritraj is a proud moment for Indian tennis and a testament to their remarkable contributions to the sport. Their induction into the Hall of Fame has brought glory to India and serves as an inspiration for aspiring tennis players across the country. As the tennis world celebrates the remarkable careers of Paes and Amritraj, their legacy will continue to inspire generations of Indian athletes to come.