‘Every sacrifice seems worth it’: Leander Paes after being inducted in Tennis Hall of Fame

Leander Paes and Vijay Amritraj became the first Asian men to be inducted in the International Tennis Hall of Fame. Alongside them, distinguished journalist and writer Richard Evans was also honoured with the ultimate honour in tennis.

Paes, an 18-time Grand Slam champion in doubles and mixed doubles, earned his place in the player category, while Amritraj and the United Kingdom's Evans have been selected in the contributor category, a category subject to election every two years.

Paes has represented India since well before he turned professional in 1991, and now, he says that he is quite content by taking part in exhibition matches.

“I played tennis for most of my life. To be a professional athlete for so long, now when I think of it, is mind-boggling,” Paes told Indian Express.

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Paes won eight Grand Slam titles in men's doubles and 10 in mixed doubles through his glittering career. He is one of only three men to achieve a career Grand Slam in both doubles disciplines. He also shares the Open Era record for most mixed doubles Grand Slam titles with former partner Martina Navratilova.

Looking at the recent talent, it will be quite challenging for an Indian tennis star to surpass these numbers. Him being the first Indian player to be inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame is a recognition of his enduring professionalism and Grand Slam triumphs. In many ways, it also is a tribute to his extraordinary contributions in Davis Cup and an impressive seven Olympic appearances.

“It’s almost like my life is coming full circle,” he further added. “I’m more talented in football. I gave up playing football in Barcelona to take up tennis. My goal at the time was to prove that Indians could be world champions and Olympic medal winners in individual sports. So to be recognised with awards like the Padma Shri and Padma Bhushan is amazing. And now to be inducted into the Tennis Hall of Fame makes everything I’ve sacrificed seem worth it,” he says.