(Sports News) Leander Paes, and the accomplished Indian broadcaster-promoter, Vijay Amritraj, have made history by becoming the first Asian men to be inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame. Additionally, distinguished journalist and writer Richard Evans have also been elected to receive this esteemed recognition in the Ultimate Honour in Tennis. The induction of Paes, an 18-time Grand Slam champion in doubles and mixed doubles, is in the player category, while Amritraj and the United Kingdom’s Evans are inductees in the contributor category, which undergoes elections every two years.
The contributor category acknowledges true pioneers, visionary leaders, or individuals/groups who have left a transcendent impact on the sport. This Class of 2024 will officially enter the International Tennis Hall of Fame in a ceremony scheduled for Saturday in Newport, Rhode Island.
Paes, Amritraj, and Evans will join an elite group of 264 inductees from 27 nations, with India set to become the 28th nation represented in the Hall of Fame. Reflecting on this remarkable achievement, Paes expressed, “It has been my life’s honour to play for my country for over three decades in a sport that has given and taught me everything. This acknowledgment is indeed the ultimate accolade for every tennis player. Induction into the International Tennis Hall of Fame belongs not just to me, but to our billion-plus Indians.”
“Receiving this honour culminates a professional journey of a lifetime, standing on the shoulders of greats and sets the tone for other youngsters in Asia and around the world.” During his illustrious three-decade career, Paes rose to the top of the world rankings in doubles and clinched 18 Grand Slam titles. With eight doubles Grand Slam titles and 10 in mixed doubles, he stands as one of only three men in tennis history to secure a career Grand Slam in both disciplines.
Paes is tied with his former partner, Hall of Famer Martina Navratilova, for the most mixed doubles major titles in history. Additionally, he and Hall of Famer Martina Hingis form one of only two mixed doubles teams in the Open Era to achieve a career Grand Slam together.
Demonstrating his longevity at the sport’s pinnacle, Paes spent a total of 462 weeks inside the ATP doubles top 10, including 37 weeks at No. 1, and claimed 55 doubles titles on tour. He proudly represented India in international competition for 30 years, setting a Davis Cup record with 45 doubles rubbers won. Paes participated in a record seven consecutive Olympic Games, the most in tennis history, and secured India’s only Olympic medal in tennis, capturing bronze in singles at the 1996 Atlanta Games.
“I am thrilled to congratulate Leander Paes, Vijay Amritraj, and Richard Evans on their election to the International Tennis Hall of Fame,” remarked Kim Clijsters, Honorary President of ITHF and Class of 2017 Hall of Famer. “These three legends have served as trailblazers in their impact on tennis and in spreading the sport worldwide. We are excited to celebrate the Class of 2024 in the coming year.” Earlier in the year, fans globally cast their votes and elected Paes as the winner of the Hall of Fame’s annual Fan Vote for induction.
