Former doubles world No.1 Leander Paes and broadcaster Vijay Amritraj have made history as the first Asian men to be elected to the International Tennis Hall of Fame. Renowned journalist and writer Richard Evans will also receive the prestigious honor. Paes, who secured 18 Grand Slam titles in men’s doubles and mixed doubles, along with Amritraj, played a crucial role in making India the 28th nation to be represented in the Hall of Fame. The induction ceremony for the Class of 2024 will take place on July 20, 2024, in Newport, Rhode Island.
Paes, known for his remarkable career in doubles, has eight major championships in doubles and ten in mixed doubles. He holds the distinction of being one of only three men in tennis history to achieve a career Grand Slam in both categories. Paes, who spent 37 weeks as the world No. 1 in ATP doubles rankings, holds numerous accolades, including partnering with Martina Navratilova to secure the record for the most mixed doubles trophies in Grand Slam competition. Furthermore, his 45 Davis Cup doubles match victories are a testament to his exceptional skills, and he also holds the record for the highest number of appearances by a tennis player at the Summer Olympics, with seven appearances.
Amritraj, a former professional player from the 1970s and 1980s, contributed to India’s success in the Davis Cup Finals in 1974 and 1987. In 1974, he played a pivotal role by boycotting the last round against South Africa to protest apartheid. Following his retirement, Amritraj became a prominent tennis broadcaster, administrator, and advocate for humanitarian causes.
Richard Evans, a British journalist and historian, was also selected for induction into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in the Contributor Category. Evans has an illustrious career reporting on tennis since 1960, covering over 200 Grand Slam tournaments and authoring more than 20 books. He played a significant role in founding the International Tennis Writers’ Association and served as its president from 2001 to 2004.
The Class of 2024 induction ceremony will be a momentous occasion, not just for the inductees, but also for the entire Asian tennis community. Leander Paes expressed his gratitude, saying, Receiving this honor 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.
This significant milestone celebrates the achievements and contributions of these exceptional individuals to the sport of tennis. The International Tennis Hall of Fame continues to recognize and honor legendary players, broadcasters, and contributors who have made an indelible impact on the sport at a global level.
