The International Tennis Hall of Fame has announced the induction of former doubles world No. 1 Leander Paes, broadcaster and promoter Vijay Amritraj, and renowned journalist and writer Richard Evans into its illustrious ranks, marking a historic moment for Indian tennis and global sports journalism. The Class of 2024, set to be officially inducted on July 20, 2024, in Newport, Rhode Island, includes these distinguished individuals who have made significant contributions to the sport of tennis.
Leander Paes: A Doubles Legend
Leander Paes, an 18-time Grand Slam champion in doubles and mixed doubles, has been selected in the Player Category. His three-decade-long career has been marked by remarkable achievements, including topping the world rankings in doubles, winning eight doubles Grand Slam titles, and 10 in mixed doubles. Paes holds the distinction of being one of only three men in tennis history to capture a career Grand Slam in both disciplines. He shares the record for the most mixed doubles major titles with Hall of Famer Martina Navratilova and has achieved a career Grand Slam alongside Martina Hingis in mixed doubles. His contribution to Indian tennis is monumental, having represented the country in international competitions for 30 years, winning a record 45 Davis Cup doubles rubbers, and earning a bronze medal in singles at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics.
“It has been my life’s honor to play for my country for over three decades in a sport that has given and taught me everything. This acknowledgment is indeed the ultimate accolade for every tennis player. Induction into the International Tennis Hall of Fame belongs not just to me, but to our billion-plus Indians. Receiving this honor culminates a professional journey of a lifetime, standing on the shoulders of greats and sets the tone for other youngsters in Asia and around the world.”
-Leander Paes, Class of 2024 Inductee
Vijay Amritraj: Promoter and Humanitarian
Vijay Amritraj, a trailblazing figure in Indian tennis, has been recognized in the Contributor Category for his extensive contributions to the sport and humanitarian causes. As a player, Amritraj was instrumental in leading India to two Davis Cup Finals and was a key advocate against Apartheid in 1974. Post-retirement, he became a prominent tennis broadcaster in Asia and the Middle East and played a vital role in expanding professional tennis in India. His humanitarian efforts, including serving as a United Nations Messenger of Peace and establishing the Vijay Amritraj Foundation, have had a far-reaching impact.
“This is truly a blessing, and an honor to be included in the history of tennis, among the greats who have played and served the sport. Acknowledging the culmination of a career that started with illness and now to be inducted in the International Tennis Hall of Fame, is making impossible dreams come true. It is a gift from above for me and my family and an honor for India.”
-Vijay Amritraj, Class of 2024 Inductee
Richard Evans: A Voice in Tennis Journalism
Richard Evans, with a career spanning over six decades, has become an authoritative voice in tennis journalism. Covering over 200 Grand Slams and numerous other tournaments since Wimbledon in 1960, Evans has authored 23 books, offering invaluable insights into the sport’s history and growth. His contributions as a founding member of the International Tennis Writers’ Association and his role in the early development of the ATP Tour underscore his influence on the sport.
“Being recognized as having done something useful by one’s peers is always a great honor. It has also been such a pleasure to have spent a large part of my career writing about such a fabulous sport alongside players and fellow journalists whose talent I have admired.”
-Richard Evans, Class of 2024 Inductee
The induction of these three legends into the International Tennis Hall of Fame is a testament to their respective groundbreaking impacts on tennis. As the first Indians to receive this Ultimate Honor and the first Asian men elected in their categories, Paes and Amritraj have set a benchmark for future generations. Richard Evans’ recognition celebrates the critical role of journalism in shaping the narrative of sports history. The tennis community looks forward to celebrating their achievements during the induction ceremony in 2024, as they join an elite group of 264 inductees from 27 nations, with India becoming the 28th nation represented in the Hall of Fame.
As Kim Clijsters, Honorary President of ITHF and Class of 2017 Hall of Famer, eloquently put it, “These three legends have served as trailblazers in their impact on tennis, and in spreading the sport worldwide.”
