Former Indian tennis stars Leander Paes and Vijay Amritraj have made history as the first Asian men inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame. Paes entered the Hall as a player, while Amritraj was honored in the contributor category.
The induction ceremony took place in Newport, USA, on Saturday, where veteran British journalist Richard Evans was also celebrated. The event featured a lineup of tennis legends, including Paes’ former doubles partner, Martina Navratilova, as well as Grand Slam champions Andre Agassi, Chris Evert, Stan Smith, and International Tennis Hall of Fame Honorary President Kim Clijsters.
Leander Paes, who retired in 2021, is the only Indian to have won an Olympic medal in tennis. Over a career spanning three decades, he spent approximately 462 weeks in the ATP top 10 and is widely hailed as one of the greatest doubles players ever. With 18 Grand Slam titles to his name—eight in men’s doubles and ten in mixed doubles—Paes is one of only three men to achieve career Grand Slams in both disciplines.
“It is my greatest honor to share this stage with these legendary figures who have inspired me throughout my life,” Paes said. “Not just because of their Grand Slam victories or contributions to the sport, but because each has shaped the world we live in. Thank you for giving this Indian boy hope,” he added.
Vijay Amritraj, recognized for his significant contributions to tennis, was inducted as a contributor. Amritraj has been a key figure in Indian tennis for over fifty years, leading the Indian Davis Cup team to its only two finals in 1974 and 1987. He is also a prominent tennis commentator in Asia and has served in various administrative roles for ATP and WTA events in Chennai. His Vijay Amritraj Foundation has supported education and basic needs for women and children since 2006.
Amritraj expressed his gratitude, saying, “I am deeply honored to join this esteemed group that has brought so much prestige to our sport. Tennis has given me incredible opportunities and introduced me to remarkable people. It continues to unite families, communities, and countries.”
With the induction of Paes and Amritraj, India is now the 28th nation represented in the Hall of Fame.
