Leander Paes is celebrated as one of the greatest doubles tennis players in history, showcasing an illustrious career that spans over three decades. With a remarkable record of 18 Grand Slam titles—eight in men’s doubles and ten in mixed doubles—Paes made history by achieving a career Grand Slam in both disciplines. He is also noted for his exceptional performance in the Davis Cup, holding the record for the most doubles wins and ranking fourth overall with 93 victories, contributing significantly to India’s success in international tennis.

Paes’s career highlights include reaching the finals of all four Grand Slam tournaments in the same calendar year (1999) alongside partner Mahesh Bhupathi, a feat that solidified their status as the “Indian Express.” He made a significant impact at the Olympics, capturing a bronze medal in singles at the 1996 Atlanta Games, becoming the first Asian to win an Olympic tennis medal. Furthermore, Paes’s mixed doubles triumphs at Wimbledon in 2015 and 2016 made him the second man to win titles in three different decades.

Beyond his achievements on the court, Paes served as a Davis Cup team captain and has been instrumental in mentoring young Indian tennis players. His contributions have earned him numerous accolades, including the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna award and the Padma Bhushan, India’s third-highest civilian award. Paes’s commitment to promoting tennis in India extends to his involvement with the Olympic Gold Quest foundation, supporting talented athletes.

Paes retired from professional tennis in 2020, leaving behind a legacy of excellence and inspiration. His induction into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 2024 further cements his status as a legend in the sport. With a world record of 1295 weeks spent in the Top 100 of men’s doubles, Leander Paes remains a prominent figure in tennis, admired for his skill, perseverance, and dedication to the sport.