Top 5 Most Famous Indian Tennis Players of All Time
Tennis is touted as one of the most popular indoor sport in the world, and credit should be given to all stakeholders who have worked hard behind the scenes to make this entity extremely popular.
Four Most Popular Grand Slam including the likes of- Australian Open, French Open, Wimbledon and US Open and the players who bag these titles are touted as absolute Champions.
However in this article, context will be different we will reveal Top 5 Most Famous Indian Tennis Players of All Time to be shared in the below format:
In other words she is often credited for inspiring next generation of women players to pick up this popular racquet sport.
Mirza was born on 15th November 1986, in Mumbai to Hyderbad born Sports Journalist Imran Mirza and his wife Naseema who worked in printing business.
Mirza developed an interest in Tennis at the age of 6 years old with her father being her first coach later followed by Roger Anderson.
Her success started at ITF Junior Tennis Circuit where she turned professional in 2003, where she won 10 singles and 13 doubles title in significant 2 years old.
The moment she stepped into higher level, her glimpses were shown at initial stage, where she became first Indian women to win Grand Slam Title at Mixed Doubles title at Australian Open.
Her career best ranking in Tennis came at 27th Place but the impact she has created on young Indian players is immense as next generation players like Ankita Raina consider Mirza her true inspiration.
She is equally popular on Social Media Platform.
4.Mahesh Bhupathi:
Mahesh Bhupathi comes 4th in our list in terms of most Popular Indian Tennis Players of all time and deserve credit for bringing laurels for India in Tennis ecosystem.
Bhupathi is often credited for yearning most medals for India in doubles especially his brilliant duo partnership with Leander Paes.
He was born on June 7th 1974 in Chennai, where he clinched 12 Grand slam titles bagged into two parts- 4 Men’s Doubles and 8 Mixed Doubles titles.
He was ranked number 1 in Doubles Category when he represented India in Davis Cup.
He is known for his strategic combinations and tactical brilliance in the game which gave him success in most matches.
Leander Paes the amazing Leander Paes, the man who didn’t get enough credit for what he did for Indian tennis, he was simply teenage sensation.
I remember I was interacting with Tennis Coaches who used to play with Leander Paes where he stated that all of us knew that Paes will go miles due to immense focus and dedication towards this sport.
Paes inspired next generation of Budding tennis player after he won Bronze Medal in 1996 Atlanta Olympics.
He was born on June 17th 1973 in Kolkata India.
Overall in his playing career he won 18 Grand Slam titles which include- 8 title in men’s doubles and 10 in Mixed Doubles Category.
His brilliant duo partnership with Mahesh Bhupathi is often most talked about doubles player in Tennis Ecosystem.
He is known for his brilliant Volleys and reflexes which makes him an assemble force.
His mixed doubles partnership with Martina Navritlova and Martina Hingis have yielded maximum results for him.
2. Vijay Amrit Raj:
Vijay Amrit Raj other words which can quote him brilliantly is “Swagger” the man exhibits class when he stepped inside Tennis Court.
He was born on 14th December 1953 where he excelled brilliantly from the year 1970 to 1980 for a period of one year.
He also receive Padma awards for his contribution towards Indian tennis.
Post his retirement as player, he worked as commentator for Star Sports and other broadcasting channels.
He also worked as an actor in Hollywood movies like “Star Trek IV” and “Octopussy” his performance made him reach Wimbledon and US Open
He successfully led Indian Davis Team, as their key player enabling them to play finals between 1974 and 1987.
1. Ramanathan Krishnan:
One name that stands on top of the list, is none other than Ramnathan Krishnan, who inspired entire breed of next Indian Generation to pickup Tennis as Professional.
He was born on April 11th 1937, Nagarcoli Tamil Nadu, known for his volley, serving and reflexes style.
He has been instrumental in success for India in Davis Cup team where he successfully led India towards 1966 Davis Cup Final team.
He won Wimbledon Junior title in 1954 subsequently followed by his dominant singles performance in 1960 and 1961 where he played semifinals of marquee event which is till date best performance by Indian Singles player ever to play this sport.
Post his retirement he started teaching Tennis to his son, Ramesh Krishnan to extend his legacy.
Overall Popularity in Indian Tennis is lacking big time infrastructural changes if these things are not taken into consideration, Indian Tennis can flourish to wider extent.
