Leander Paes to be Inducted into International Tennis Hall of Fame as Class of 2024
Former doubles world No. 1 Leander Paes has been elected to receive the Ultimate Honor in Tennis – induction into the International Tennis Hall of Fame – as the Class of 2024. This prestigious recognition is a testament to Paes’ remarkable career, which has been marked by numerous achievements and records in the world of tennis.
Paes, an 18-time Grand Slam champion in doubles and mixed doubles, has been selected in the Player Category to receive tennis’ Ultimate Honor. His impressive career spanned over three decades, during which he won 55 doubles titles on tour, including eight doubles Grand Slam titles and ten in mixed doubles.
A Legendary Career
Paes’ career is a shining example of dedication, hard work, and passion for the sport. He spent a total of 462 weeks inside the ATP doubles top 10, including 37 weeks at No. 1, and won 55 doubles titles on tour with a record 25 year-end finishes inside the top 100. His longevity at the highest level is a testament to his enduring talent and commitment to the sport.
Paes proudly represented India in international competition for 30 years, winning a Davis Cup record 45 doubles rubbers during his career and 93 total wins in singles and doubles. He competed in a record seven consecutive Olympic Games, the most in tennis history, and is India’s only Olympic medalist in tennis, capturing bronze in singles at the 1996 Atlanta Games.
Induction into the Hall of Fame
The Class of 2024 will be officially inducted into the Hall of Fame on Saturday, July 20, 2024, in Newport, Rhode Island. Paes will join an elite group of 264 inductees from 27 nations – with India set to become the 28th nation represented in the Hall of Fame. By winning the Hall of Fame’s Fan Vote in October, Paes received three added percentage points to his ballot totals from the Official Voting Group.
Leander Paes said, “It has been my life’s honor to play for my country for over 3 decades in a sport that has given me and taught me everything, and this acknowledgement is indeed the ultimate accolade for every tennis player. The International Tennis Hall of Fame induction belongs not just to me but to our billion plus Indians and to every young kid who nurtures a dream in their heart and fire in their belly to follow their passions.”
Paes’ induction into the Hall of Fame is a well-deserved recognition of his outstanding contributions to the sport of tennis. His legacy will continue to inspire future generations of tennis players, and his name will be etched in the annals of tennis history as one of the greatest players of all time.
