Trailblazers Amritraj and Paes Make Indian History with Hall of Fame Induction

History-Making Duo Reflects on Special Moment

Vijay Amritraj and Leander Paes became the first Asian men to be inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame as a contributor and player, respectively, marking a monumental achievement for Indian tennis.

Before Amritraj and Paes, there were no prominent Indian tennis figures to look up to. Their induction into the Hall of Fame represents a significant milestone, demonstrating the possibilities for Indian athletes in a sport with little prior history in the country.

Paes expressed his respect and gratitude towards Amritraj and his family for their support and inspiration. As a young boy, Paes attended an academy run by the Amritraj family, who played a crucial role in his development as a tennis player.

Amritraj, who battled health issues in his early years, overcame numerous obstacles to achieve success on the global stage. His parents' unwavering belief in his potential was a driving force behind his achievements. Amritraj made his mark early, reaching the Wimbledon quarter-finals at the age of 19 and later achieving a career-high ranking of No. 23 in doubles.

Amritraj's contributions to tennis extended beyond his playing career. He led India to two Davis Cup finals and inspired countless children in India to pursue tennis. His parents, Bob and Maggie, were pivotal in encouraging him to dream big, setting an extraordinary example of parenting.

Paes, from a sporting family with a rich Olympic history, found inspiration in the Amritraj family. He crafted one of the most impressive doubles resumes in tennis, winning 54 tour-level doubles titles and an Olympic bronze medal. His achievements have inspired a new generation of Indian tennis players.

Paes and Amritraj were inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in Newport, where Paes had previously won his only singles title. Their induction signifies India's prominent place in tennis history, with the tricolour and national anthem now represented in the Hall of Fame.

Amritraj and Paes' legacies will continue to inspire future generations, showcasing that success in tennis is possible for Indian athletes. Their induction into the Hall of Fame is a testament to their incredible achievements and contributions to the sport.

Congratulations to Leander Paes and Vijay Amritraj on this historic achievement!

Reference:

www.atptour.com