Leander Paes, Vijay Amritraj become first Asian men to be inducted to Tennis Hall of Fame

Published at :December 14, 2023 at 12:29 PM

Modified at :January 14, 2024 at 12:21 AM

(Courtesy : Scroll.in)

Paes in the only Indian tennis player to medal at the Olympics.

Atlanta Olympics bronze medallist, Leander Paes, and Vijay Amritraj have been inducted to the International Tennis Hall of Fame. With this, they become the first Indian men to be honoured with the prestigious title. The Class of 2024 will be officially inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame on July 20th in Newport, Rhode Island.

Apart from Paes and Vijay, Richard Evans, British journalist and historian, was also selected for the honour in the Contributor category. Prior to this, Li Na was the first Asian to be elected for Tennis Hall of Fame in 2019. The former Chinese international had won two Grand Slam titles and several other trophies.

Leander Paes and Vijay Amritraj become the first Asian men to be elected to International Tennis Hall of Fame.Paes has won a record 18 Grand Slam titles while Amritraj helped India reach Davis Cup Finals twice – 1974 and 1987. #Tennis pic.twitter.com/3uOkrZQA9K
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Leander Paes said, “It has been my life’s honor to play for my country for over three decades in a sport which has given and taught me everything. Induction into International Tennis Hall of Fame belongs not just to me, but to our billion plus Indians.”

The former Indian international has won 18 Grand Slam titles – combining men’s and mixed doubles. In his three decade long career, Leander Paes has won 55 ATP titles. Apart from this he participated in seven Olympic Games and holds the record for winning most number of Davis Cup matches for India.

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Vijay on the other hand, was a key figure in the 1970s and 1980s. He was the guiding force for India reaching the final of Davis Cup in 1974 and 1987. He also received the Most Improved Player of the Year award in 1973. After retirement, he became a broadcaster and administrator and currently serves as the president of Tamil Nadu Tennis Association (TNTA).

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