The Indian tennis legend Leander Paes turned 50 today. With a spectacular career and 18 grand slam wins under his belt, without doubt, the mastermind on the lawn is a living legend.
Born on June 17, 1973, to Olympic bronze medalist Dr Vece Paes and Olympian Jennifer Paes, Leander grew to love sports at a very young age. He developed a fondness for tennis at the age of five and displayed promising potential. In 1995, he joined the Britannia Amritraj Tennis Academy in Madras and was coached by Dave O'Meara. He won the Wimbledon Junior title in 1990 which was also the year Paes joined the Indian Davis Cup team.
Leander Paes started playing professionally in 1991. He was instrumental in boosting the status of India in the world of tennis. The formidable tennis icon brought home an individual sports Olympic medal, pushing India into an era of hope and rejuvenated enthusiasm. Nearly three decades after playing in professional circles Leander Paes retired from the sport in 2021.
Speaking to Sportstar on turning 50 and his journey thus far, Paes said, “I feel so blessed. I am looking forward to the next 50, to give it every single thing I have got, in the best way I know how. I want to inspire youngsters all over the world and say that 'If Leander can be a champion, so can you'.”
"There have been so many moments in my life, whether it was in 2012, where I completed the career Slam in men’s doubles at the Australian Open, or winning the French Open mixed doubles in 2016, after losing so many mixed doubles finals and completing the mixed doubles career Slam with Martina Hingis. It takes a bit of doing to be able to play for 31 years and stay away from any major injuries," added Paes.
The beloved tennis star had an illustrious career and here are a few highlights:
Eight Grand Slam Titles in Men’s Doubles: Australian Open (2012), French Open (2001, 2009), Wimbledon (1999), US Open (2006, 2009, 2013).
Ten Grand Slam Titles in Mixed Doubles: Australian Open (2003, 2010, 2015), French Open (2016), Wimbledon (1999, 2003, 2010, 2015), US Open (2008, 2015).
Became the first Indian and Asian tennis player to win an Olympic medal in 1996 (secured bronze at the Atlanta Olympics)
Participated in six consecutive Olympic games since 1992 and was the flagbearer in the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games for India.
Won two gold medals in the Men’s Doubles with Mahesh Bhupati and Mixed Doubles with Sania Mirza at the Doha Asian Games in 2006.
Won the Men’s Doubles with Marcin Matkowski at the 2014 Malaysian Open.
In 2017, Paes broke the record for the most doubles wins by a single player in the Davis Cup, overtaking Nicola Pietrangeli with his 43rd win.
In 2013 at the age of 40, he became the oldest man to win a major title after his win at the US Open men’s doubles.
The impressive duo of Mahesh Bhupati and Leander Paes famously called the “Indian Express” still hold the Davis Cup record for the longest streak of doubles victories.
'Lee-Hesh', the Leander Paes and Mahesh Bhupati duo, have three Grand Slam titles and 25 ATP tour titles.
Leander Paes was presented the Arjuna Award in 1990, the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award in 1996, Padma Shri in 2001, and Padma Bhushan, India’s third-highest civilian award, in 2014.
