Leander Paes expresses gratitude for the privilege of representing not only himself but also India in the Hall of Fame

Leander Paes, the legendary Indian tennis player, has added another feather to his cap by being inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame class of 2024 in the player category. In a fireside chat hosted by Sportstar at The Hindu’s Chennai headquarters, Paes expressed his gratitude for this honor, calling it a “humbling moment.”

With 18 Grand Slam titles to his name, Paes’ career highlights include a singles bronze at the Atlanta Olympics in 1996, which was India’s first individual Olympic medal in over four decades. Reflecting on his journey, Paes credited his success to hard work, belief, and the support of his family, coaches, and doubles partners.

Despite his success in doubles and mixed doubles, Paes also had a successful singles career, winning his lone ATP Tour title in 1998. He emphasized the importance of inspiring the next generation of Indian tennis players by achieving Grand Slam success and representing his country at the highest level.

During the chat, Paes also paid tribute to Rafael Nadal, acknowledging the changing of the guard in men’s tennis as younger players like Carlos Alcaraz emerge on the scene. Reflecting on Nadal’s recent early exit at the French Open, Paes shared his admiration for the 14-time champion and his impact on the sport.

As Paes prepares to enter the prestigious Hall of Fame, his legacy as a trailblazer for Indian tennis and a true champion on and off the court continues to inspire fans and aspiring athletes around the world.