Tennis

Indian Tennis: A Cycle of Ups and DownsIndian tennis legend Leander Paes has expressed concern over the recent decline in the sport's popularity in the country. Following India's 0-4 defeat to Sweden in the Davis Cup World Group I tie, Paes emphasized the need for patience and highlighted the cyclical nature of success and setbacks."Like anything in life, when you go up, you have to come down, and then you come back up again," said Paes, a former world No. 1 in doubles. "I am a big believer in the circle of life."Paes acknowledged the significant growth of tennis in India over the past four decades, attributing its rise to the success of players like Sania Mirza, Mahesh Bhupathi, Rohan Bopanna, and himself. However, he noted that the current situation, with no Indian players in the top 200 of the WTA rankings and only one in the top 100 of the ATP rankings, reflects a period of decline."We have all enjoyed such an upswing over the last 40 years, proving that we can be number one in both women's doubles and men's doubles," said Paes. "But now we need to have a little bit of patience."Paes emphasized the importance of investing in grassroots development and providing opportunities for young players to excel. He also called for a collective effort from all stakeholders, including players, coaches, and administrators, to revive the sport's fortunes."The circle of life is playing out," said Paes. "We will experience a slump, but we will rise again. The greatest key to success is patience. I have no doubt that tennis will rise again to the top in India."

Multiple Grand Slam champion Leander Paes recently met with Union Sports Minister, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, to share his insights on fostering a stronger sports foundation in India. Paes emphasized the importance of identifying and nurturing talent at the grassroots level.The seven-time Olympian discussed the need for a comprehensive approach to sports development, encompassing infrastructure, coaching, and competition. He highlighted the significance of creating a conducive environment for aspiring athletes, providing them with access to world-class facilities and support.Dr. Mandaviya expressed the government's commitment to enhancing the country's performance in major sporting events such as the Olympics and Paralympics. He acknowledged the need for strategic planning and collaboration among stakeholders to achieve these goals.Paes's meeting with the Sports Minister underscores the growing recognition of the importance of sports in India. The government's focus on building a robust sports ecosystem is expected to create opportunities for young athletes to excel and represent the country on the global stage.Paes, who recently became the latest inductee into the Tennis Hall of Fame, shared his experiences and insights on what it takes to succeed at the highest level. He emphasized the importance of hard work, dedication, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.The meeting between Paes and Dr. Mandaviya is a positive step towards strengthening India's sports infrastructure and fostering a culture of athleticism. It is hoped that the government's initiatives, coupled with the expertise of experienced athletes like Paes, will lead to a brighter future for Indian sports.

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.

Leander Paes, the legendary Indian tennis player, has etched his name in the annals of the sport with his induction into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 2024. His remarkable journey, marked by both triumph and adversity, is a testament to his unwavering determination and exceptional talent.Paes's prowess in doubles is unparalleled, with an astonishing tally of 18 Grand Slam titles: eight in men's doubles and 10 in mixed doubles. He has achieved the rare feat of winning all four majors in both disciplines, a testament to his versatility and adaptability. His ability to blend seamlessly with a range of partners, including Mahesh Bhupathi, Lukas Dlouhy, Martin Damm, Radek Stepanek, Lisa Raymond, Martina Navratilova, Cara Black, and Martina Hingis, speaks volumes about his collaborative spirit and tactical acumen.Beyond his doubles achievements, Paes's playing style was a captivating spectacle. His repertoire of shots was a smorgasbord of speeds, spins, angles, and surprises. He possessed an uncanny ability to conjure up mind-blowing sequences of shots, leaving opponents and spectators alike in awe.However, Paes's career took an unexpected twist when he reached the pinnacle of singles success at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics. Despite his relatively low singles ranking of No. 73, he defied expectations by reaching the semifinals, where he pushed Andre Agassi to the limit. In the bronze medal match, he overcame Fernando Meligeni in a grueling three-set battle, becoming the first Indian in 44 years to win an Olympic medal in an individual sport.Paes's partnership with Martina Navratilova was particularly inspiring. He had admired her as a stylistic role model in his childhood, and together they won mixed doubles titles at the 2003 Australian Open and Wimbledon. During Wimbledon, Paes experienced the first symptoms of a brain lesion, which was later diagnosed as benign. Despite this setback, he regained his health and resumed his career with unwavering determination.Over a decade later, Paes teamed up with another tennis legend, Martina Hingis, to win four mixed majors. His ability to adapt and excel with different partners is a testament to his versatility and longevity.Throughout his epic career, Paes has faced adversity with resilience and determination. He believes that winning is not about talent or opportunity, but about the ability to endure hardship and rise above challenges. His journey is an inspiration to athletes and individuals alike, demonstrating the power of perseverance and the pursuit of excellence.

Tennis Channel will broadcast the International Tennis Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony live on Saturday, July 20, at 6 p.m. ET. The event will take place during the Infosys Hall of Fame Open in Newport, Rhode Island, and will honor eight-time Grand Slam doubles champion Leander Paes, player, broadcaster, and promoter Vijay Amritraj, and reporter, author, and tennis historian Richard Evans.Brett Haber, a longtime Tennis Channel commentator and host, will serve as the master of ceremonies for the induction ceremony. A special edition of Tennis Channel Live will air before the event at 5 p.m. ET, featuring network analysts and former players Chanda Rubin and Robbie Koenig.Tennis Channel will provide extensive coverage of the North American summer tennis season, including more than 340 hours of live matches and 365 hours of encore replays. The eight tournaments featured in the "Summer in the Cities" programming are the Infosys Hall of Fame Open, Atlanta Open, Mubadala Citi DC Open, National Bank Open presented by Rogers, Cincinnati Open, Tennis in the Land, Winston-Salem Open, and Abierto GNP Seguros 2024.Tennis Channel+ will offer on-demand matches upon their conclusion. The tournaments will be part of Tennis Channel's Center Court coverage, which includes other events worldwide.Tennis Channel and its sibling network T2 are the only television-based multiplatform destinations dedicated to both professional tennis and the tennis lifestyle. The networks have the most concentrated single-sport coverage in television, with multiple men's and women's tournaments and singles, doubles, and mixed competition throughout the year.Tennis Channel and T2 have rights to the four majors – US Open, Wimbledon, Roland Garros (French Open), and Australian Open – and are the exclusive U.S. homes of all men's ATP World Tour and women's WTA Tour competitions, Davis Cup, Billie Jean King Cup, United Cup, and Laver Cup.Direct-to-consumer streaming service Tennis Channel+ is available to everyone in the United States and allows subscribers to select from another 4,500 live and on-demand matches and award-winning content throughout the tennis season.

Leander Paes' induction into the International Tennis Hall of Fame is a testament to his illustrious career. The Indian tennis legend, known for his exceptional doubles and mixed doubles prowess, has etched his name in the annals of the sport.Paes' journey began in a middle-class family in Kolkata, where his passion for sports was ignited. Inspired by his father's Olympic medal, he set his sights on achieving greatness. With unwavering determination and a relentless work ethic, Paes honed his skills and rose through the ranks.His breakthrough came at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, where he became the first Indian to win an individual Olympic medal in 44 years. His bronze in singles was a watershed moment for Indian sports, inspiring a generation of athletes.Paes' true calling, however, lay in doubles and mixed doubles. He formed a formidable partnership with Mahesh Bhupathi, and together they dominated the circuit, winning three Grand Slam titles and reaching the top of the world rankings. Paes also enjoyed success with other partners, including Martina Hingis and Cara Black, amassing a total of 18 Major titles.Beyond his on-court achievements, Paes has been a vocal advocate for Indian tennis. He has played a pivotal role in promoting the sport at the grassroots level and mentoring young players. His induction into the Hall of Fame is a fitting recognition of his contributions to the game.Paes' legacy extends beyond his trophy cabinet. He has inspired countless Indians to pursue their dreams and has been a role model for generations. His unwavering belief in himself and his ability to overcome adversity serve as a testament to the power of hard work and determination.