Leander Paes, a renowned tennis player hailing from India, has made history as the first Asian man ever to be nominated for the International Tennis Hall of Fame in the player category. With an impressive collection of 18 Grand Slam titles in men’s doubles or mixed doubles, Paes stands as an icon in the tennis world. The announcement of his nomination, alongside five other player candidates, namely Cara Black, Ana Ivanovic, Carlos Moya, Daniel Nestor, and Flavia Pennetta, was made on Tuesday for the Class of 2024.
Until Li Na, a Chinese tennis player, was inducted in 2019, no Asian player had been honored with the prestigious title. Paes expressed his excitement and sentiments by stating, “After three decades of passion for our sport and playing for 1.3-plus billion Indians in the Olympics and Davis Cup, I am thrilled that my hard work has been recognized.”
The nominees for the Class of 2024 also include two candidates in the contributor category: Vijay Amritraj and journalist Richard Evans. The contributions made by these individuals to the sport have been exceptional and deemed worthy of recognition.
Leander Paes’ extraordinary tennis career is highlighted by his achievement of career Grand Slams in both men’s doubles and mixed doubles, as well as reaching the No. 1 doubles ranking. His eight men’s doubles major championships were earned with four different partners and were distributed across various Grand Slam tournaments. Paes secured three titles at both the French Open and the U.S. Open, one title at the Australian Open, and one title at Wimbledon. Moreover, he triumphed in mixed doubles alongside esteemed partners such as Martina Navratilova, Martina Hingis, and Cara Black.
Among the player candidates, Cara Black, Ana Ivanovic, Carlos Moya, Daniel Nestor, and Flavia Pennetta have all fallen short of the required 75% of the vote in past balloting from the official voting group. This group consists of media, historians, Hall of Famers, and industry experts. However, nominees who do not secure the necessary votes can remain eligible for consideration for up to three years.
In addition to the voting conducted by the official voting group, an online fan voting process for the player category will take place. Fans will have the opportunity to cast their votes from Wednesday to October 9, allowing them to participate in the selection process and voice their support for their favorite players.
The International Tennis Hall of Fame has become synonymous with excellence in the sport, honoring individuals who have significantly contributed to the growth and development of tennis. The Class of 2023, comprising wheelchair star Esther Vergeer and quad division pioneer Rick Draney, was enshrined in July, adding to the illustrious list of Hall of Fame inductees.
As Leander Paes awaits the outcome of the voting process, his nomination symbolizes more than just individual recognition. It represents a milestone for Asian tennis players and the immense impact they have had on the sport. Paes’ nomination serves as an inspiration for aspiring tennis players in Asia and around the globe, showcasing the heights that can be achieved through passion, dedication, and hard work.
The International Tennis Hall of Fame continues to celebrate and preserve the rich history of the sport while recognizing the exceptional talents that have graced its courts. With each induction ceremony, the Hall of Fame ensures that future generations understand and appreciate the extraordinary achievements of those who have dedicated their lives to the game of tennis.
Leander Paes’ nomination for the International Tennis Hall of Fame is a testament to his indelible mark on the sport and the recognition of his incredible career. As the first Asian man to receive such an honor, Paes has left an enduring legacy that will inspire generations to come.
