NEWPORT, R.I. (Diya TV) – Leander Paes and Vijay Amritraj made history as the first Asian men to join the prestigious International Tennis Hall of Fame. The induction ceremony took place on Sunday, recognizing their extraordinary contributions to the sport.
Paes, honored in the Player Category, has an illustrious career highlighted by his bronze medal in the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, eight men’s doubles, and ten mixed doubles Grand Slam titles. Reflecting on his achievement, Paes expressed, “Being here with legends who inspired me every day is an unparalleled honor. As a boy playing street cricket and football barefoot in Calcutta, I never imagined this moment.”
Martina Navratilova, his former mixed-doubles partner, praised Paes during the ceremony. “Leander plays tennis in a way we all aspire to. His off-speed serve, big forehand, and precise slice backhand are impressive. His passion for the sport is indescribable, and he makes everyone fall in love with the game,” she said.
Amritraj, inducted in the Contributor Category, has been a trailblazer in Indian tennis. He reached the men’s singles quarterfinals at Wimbledon and the US Open twice, led India to the Davis Cup finals in 1974 and 1987, and was ranked No. 18 in singles at his peak. He expressed gratitude for the support he received throughout his journey, saying, “My parents’ extraordinary dreams and efforts led me here. Tennis has taken me places I never imagined and introduced me to people I never thought I’d meet.”
Paes and Amritraj received their Hall of Fame Brooks Brothers blazers during the induction ceremony, joining 267 legends from 28 nations. Their contributions have not only elevated Indian tennis but have also inspired countless young athletes worldwide.
The event in Newport also featured appearances by other Hall of Famers, including Andre Agassi, Chris Evert, Stan Smith, and Kim Clijsters. The recognition of Paes and Amritraj cements their legacy and showcases the global impact of their careers on the sport of tennis.
