The popularity of tennis has skyrocketed in the last decade, becoming one of the most followed sports in India. This rise was fueled by the outstanding performances of top tennis players in India, who made significant contributions to the country’s success in the sport.
Many celebrated tennis players in India have reached remarkable milestones, leaving a lasting impact on the history of the game. Their achievements highlight the crucial role that sports training plays in today’s world. In this guide, I’ve compiled a list of these exceptional personalities who have excelled in tennis. Read on to the Recognized as best tennis website in India, Tenniskhelo invites you to read on and learn more.
Ramanathan Krishnan, a former Indian tennis player with a remarkable personality, is renowned for his exceptional skills and talents. Born in Nagercoil on April 11, 1937, he gained fame for his graceful playing style, impressive serve technique, and skilled volleying. His contributions were pivotal in India’s Davis Cup success, playing a key role in helping the team reach the finals in 1966.
In recognition of his outstanding performance and skills, he was awarded the Padma Bhushan. Additionally, he won the Wimbledon Junior title in 1954 and reached the semifinals at Wimbledon in 1960 and 1961. After retiring, he began coaching tennis to his son, Ramesh Krishnan, thereby continuing his legacy.
Vijay Amritraj is another renowned Indian tennis player who has significantly contributed to the country’s prominence in the sport, particularly during the 1970s and 1980s. Born in Chennai on December 14, 1953, he was awarded the Padma Shri for his achievements in tennis and his philanthropic work.
Beyond tennis, Amritraj is also a sports commentator and actor, having appeared in films such as Octopussy and Star Trek IV. His remarkable performances led him to compete at Wimbledon and the US Open. A key figure in India’s Davis Cup team, he played a crucial role in leading them to the finals between 1974 and 1987.
Leander Paes is considered one of the greatest doubles players in tennis history. Born on June 17, 1973, in Kolkata, India, he achieved a remarkable milestone by winning the Olympic bronze medal in singles at the 1996 Atlanta Games. To date, he has won a total of 18 Grand Slam titles—8 in men’s doubles and 10 in mixed doubles.
Paes is renowned for his exceptional volleying skills and quick reflexes. In recognition of his outstanding contributions to Indian tennis, he was awarded the Padma Bhushan. Throughout his career, he has formed successful partnerships with tennis legends such as Martina Navratilova and Martina Hingis.
Mahesh Bhupathi is another renowned Indian tennis player, celebrated for his prowess in doubles. Born on June 7, 1974, in Chennai, he has won approximately 12 Grand Slam titles, including four in men’s doubles and eight in mixed doubles. Bhupathi was a key member of the Indian Davis Cup team and achieved the No. 1 ranking in doubles. He played a pivotal role in the history of Indian tennis and is known for his strategic approach to the game, as well as his significant contributions to the sport both on and off the court.
Sania Mirza’s impact on tennis holds a special place in the hearts of many Indians. Through her exceptional performances, she has gained widespread fame and recognition in the country. Born in Mumbai on November 15, 1986, she has made her mark in both singles and doubles events.
In 2009, she became the first Indian woman to win a Grand Slam title, claiming the mixed doubles title at the Australian Open. Her career reached new heights with a career-high singles ranking of No. 27 and a No. 1 ranking in doubles worldwide. For many, she is an inspiration, leaving a lasting legacy in tennis with her unparalleled skills and efforts to popularize the sport in India.
Ramesh Krishnan is a highly regarded former tennis player from India, known for his graceful playing style and strategic approach to the game. Hailing from a tennis family, his father, Ramanathan Krishnan, was a celebrated former Indian tennis star. Born on June 5, 1961, in Chennai
Ramesh Krishnan achieved a career-high singles ranking of No. 23 and played a vital role in the Indian Davis Cup team. His impressive performances included reaching the quarterfinals at Wimbledon and making a notable appearance at the US Open. After retiring from professional tennis, he transitioned to coaching and mentoring, helping to nurture the next generation of tennis talent.
Somdev Devvarman, known for his strong baseline game and never-give-up attitude, was one of the most determined Indian players of his generation. He made his mark on the international stage with a career-high ATP singles ranking of No. 62 in 2011, thanks to his consistent performances on the ATP Tour.
Devvarman earned recognition for his performances in major tournaments and became known for his mental toughness. He played a pivotal role in India’s Davis Cup team, leading them to several victories, and his success extended to the Asian Games, where he won two gold medals in 2010, cementing his status as one of the top players in Indian tennis.
Prajnesh Gunneswaran, a left-handed player known for his powerful serve and aggressive baseline game, reached his career-high ATP singles ranking of No. 75 in 2019. Gunneswaran began his rise in the tennis world primarily on the ATP Challenger circuit, where his strong performances earned him recognition.
He consistently represented India in Davis Cup matches and became one of India’s top tennis players in the 2010s. His achievements included notable victories over established ATP players, which showcased his potential to compete at the highest levels. Prajnesh’s perseverance and work ethic allowed him to rise through the ranks and solidify his place in the Indian tennis scene.
One of the current promising players, Sumit Nagal made headlines after taking a set off Roger Federer at the 2019 US Open. He reached his career-high ATP ranking of 80 after Monte Carlo Brilliance in 2024 and has been a key part of India’s Davis Cup team.
Nagal’s success has been attributed to his work ethic and his commitment to improving his game on the professional circuit, leading him to become one of India’s most promising tennis talents in recent years.
India’s leading female tennis player in recent years, Ankita Raina has been a consistent performer in singles and doubles. She has won multiple medals at the Asian Games and reached a career-high doubles ranking of 93 in 2021.
In addition to her singles achievements, Raina has also excelled in doubles, reaching a career-high doubles ranking of No. 93 in 2021. She has represented India in both singles and doubles at the prestigious Fed Cup and in major international competitions, consistently showcasing her talent and determination.
Mahesh Bhupathi made history as India’s first-ever Grand Slam winner, claiming his first title in mixed doubles at the French Open in 1997. In 1999, he teamed up with Leander Paes to reach the finals of all four Grand Slam tournaments.
Leander Paes and Mahesh Bhupathi are two iconic Indian players who won India’s first-ever Wimbledon title in the Open era, securing the men’s doubles title in 1999.
In conclusion, these tennis players have achieved remarkable milestones that have elevated the country’s reputation on the global stage. Their outstanding performances have left an indelible mark on the history of tennis.
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