Former doubles world No. 1 Leander Paes of India gestures as he is inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in Newport, Rhode Island, U.S., July 20, 2024. (REUTERS/Mark Stockwell)
Indian tennis legends Leander Paes and Vijay Amritraj on Sunday were inducted to the sport’s Hall of Fame.
“Paes was inducted in the Player Category, while Amritraj and Evans were recognised as a part of the Contributor Category: honoring visionary leaders, pioneers, or individuals who have made a consummate impact on the sport. The three inductees brings the total to 267 legends from 28 nations represented in the Hall of Fame,” said the International Tennis Hall of Fame statement.
Paying tribute to Paes was her former mixed-doubles partner, Martina Navratilova – the duo won the 2003 Wimbledon and Australian Open mixed-doubles titles.
“It is truly a privilege. And I am so happy that not just one man but two men from India won this award. First two Asian men…to do this”, said the 59-time Grand Slam champion,” said Navratilova, a 59-time grand slam champion – 18 singles, 31 doubles and 10 mixed doubles.
“I think Leander plays tennis the most of us will like to play. He has got off speed serve, big forehand, slice backhand which lands where exactly you don’t want it to land. Featherly touch, reflexes like a leopard. He runs every ball down. If he can he dives for it. The passion that the man has for the sport is indescribable. And if all else fails he smiles on the court and then everybody’s hearts melts. He was an artist on the court and an amazing athlete…Leander it is truly my honour to play against you enjoyed it a lot when I played with you. You have done your family proud. You have done our sports proud and most of all you have done India proud ” Navratilova added.
Former doubles world No. 1 Leander Paes of India embraces fellow Hall of Famer Martina Navratilova as he is inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in Newport, Rhode Island, U.S., July 20, 2024. (REUTERS/Mark Stockwell)
Conceding his emotions after he was inducted in the Hall of Fame, Paes said, “It is my greatest honor to be on this stage with not only these legends of the game, [but] people who have inspired me every single day of my life.
“A few of us are very blessed to be born into legacy. Today, sitting here at the International Tennis Hall of Fame, I wouldn’t have ever dreamt it, playing street cricket and street football barefoot back in Calcutta,” he added.
Also bestowed with the honor was Amritraj, who reached the men’s singles quarterfinals at the Wimbledon and US Open twice each besides guiding India to the Davis Cup finals twice — in 1974 and 1987. At his peak, he was ranked No.18 in the world in singles and No. 23 in doubles.
