NEWPORT, RI (Diya TV) — Indian tennis legends Leander Paes and Vijay Amritraj are set to make history as the first Asian men to be inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame. Their remarkable contributions to the sport have earned them well-deserved recognition on the global stage.
Leander Paes, who turned professional in 1991 and represented India for three decades until his retirement in 2021, secured his nomination through the Hall of Fame’s annual fan vote for induction into the player category. Paes’ storied career includes an impressive tally of 18 Grand Slam titles in doubles and mixed doubles, establishing him as one of the most accomplished players in the history of the sport.
With a seven consecutive Olympic Games appearances, Paes holds the record for the most Olympic appearances in tennis history. His achievements also include becoming the world’s No. 1 doubles player in 1999 and spending approximately 462 weeks inside the top 10 of the ATP rankings.
Vijay Amritraj, on the other hand, will be inducted into the contributor category, which recognizes individuals and groups who have made a significant impact on the sport. Amritraj’s contributions to Indian tennis span decades, including leading India’s Davis Cup squad to its only two finals appearances in 1974 and 1987.
Beyond his on-court accomplishments, Amritraj has been a tennis broadcaster in Asia and served as an administrator for ATP and WTA events in Chennai. He became the first Indian to serve as a United Nations Messenger of Peace in 2001 and established the Vijay Amritraj Foundation in 2006, dedicated to providing education and basic needs for women and children.
The official induction ceremony for Paes and Amritraj is scheduled to take place on July 20 in Newport, Rhode Island, marking a historic moment for Indian tennis. India will become the 28th nation represented in the International Tennis Hall of Fame.
Paes expressed gratitude for the recognition, stating, “It has been my life’s honor to play for my country for over three decades in a sport that has given and taught me everything. This acknowledgment is indeed the ultimate accolade for every tennis player.”
