Vijay Amritraj and Leander Paes made history on Saturday by becoming the first Asian men to be inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame, representing India as a contributor and player, respectively. This significant achievement holds great meaning for their country, inspiring future generations of Indian tennis players.
Before Amritraj and Paes, there were no role models for aspiring tennis players in India. Their accomplishments paved the way for the sport in a nation with a population of 1.4 billion. Paes expressed his admiration for Amritraj and the opportunities provided by his academy: “I have so much respect for Vijay and what he has given to me and the opportunity as a young boy in his academy.”
Amritraj’s journey was fraught with challenges, including severe lung issues that confined him to bed as a child. Despite these obstacles, he became a tennis pioneer for India. Reflecting on his journey, Amritraj recalled his mother’s unwavering belief in his potential, which fueled his success. “At seven years old, what is she telling you about? Not that she knew about it, because she hadn’t been there. But it was a mother’s strength and belief that was embedded in me,” he said.
Amritraj’s career highlights include reaching the Wimbledon quarter-finals at 19 and leading India to two Davis Cup finals. His achievements demonstrated that success in tennis was possible for Indian players, inspiring countless children to pursue the sport.
Paes, who comes from a family of athletes, was influenced by Amritraj’s example. Paes crafted an impressive doubles career, winning 54 tour-level doubles titles and one singles title, fittingly at Newport, where he was inducted alongside Amritraj.
Both men have left an indelible mark on the history of Indian tennis. Amritraj reflected on their legacy: “It’s more a question, for me anyway, of India being in the Hall of Fame, the tricolour and the anthem. And to me, that’s the most important bit because I did it as an Indian at a time when it wasn’t meant to be.”
Their induction into the International Tennis Hall of Fame is a testament to their contributions to the sport and serves as a beacon of inspiration for future generations of Indian tennis players.