Indian Tennis Legends Paes and Amritraj Inducted into Hall of Fame

Former doubles world number one Leander Paes and tennis broadcaster, actor, and player Vijay Amritraj became the first Asian men inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame on July 20. The induction ceremony at the Hall of Fame in Newport, Rhode Island, marked a historic moment for Indian tennis.

Paes, 51, is an 18-time Grand Slam champion in doubles and mixed doubles. He honed his skills at an Amritraj youth academy and was selected in the player category. Paes recounted his early days playing football and hockey before switching to tennis, following in the footsteps of his hockey-captain father, who was an Olympic medalist.

"It's my greatest honor to be on this stage with not only these legends of the game, people who have inspired me every single day of my life -- not because you've only won Grand Slams, not because you've shaped our sport but every single one of these people have shaped the world we live in," Paes said. "I would like to thank you so much for giving this Indian boy hope."

Amritraj, 70, played from 1970 until retiring in 1993. He won 15 ATP singles titles and 399 matches, reaching a career-high ranking of 18th in the world. Amritraj also helped India reach the Davis Cup finals in 1974 and 1987.

After his playing days, Amritraj became involved in humanitarian causes, supported ATP and WTA events in India, and acted in the James Bond and Star Trek movie series. "A feeling came over me that I had never experienced," Amritraj said of learning about his election to the Hall. "This was an honor not just for me, for my family, for my parents, but for all of my fellow Indians and my country who live around the world."

Like Amritraj, British tennis journalist and author Richard Evans was inducted in the contributor category for his lifetime impact on the sport.

Paes and Amritraj's induction made India the 28th nation represented in the Hall of Fame. Paes emphasized the significance of their achievement for Indian tennis and the inspiration it provides to young players.

"Playing for 1.4 billion people could either be pressure or it could be wind within your wings," Paes said. "I'd like to thank every single one of my countrymen who supported me, who stood by through all the ups and downs, and we've been through a few, but you all were the inspiration, the support, you were even the strength to guide me through when even I didn't believe."

Paes's career highlights include Grand Slams in both men's and mixed doubles, completing a career Grand Slam in men's by winning the 2012 Australian Open and in mixed by capturing the 2016 French Open. He also won the 1996 Atlanta Olympics bronze medal.

Amritraj's contributions to tennis extend beyond his playing career. He has been a vocal advocate for the sport in India and has played a key role in promoting tennis at the grassroots level.

The induction of Paes and Amritraj into the International Tennis Hall of Fame is a testament to their exceptional achievements and their enduring impact on the sport. Their stories serve as an inspiration to young tennis players around the world, particularly in India, and their legacy will continue to shape the future of tennis for generations to come.

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