Tennis is a sport consisting of players opposing on both sides. The players may be in the form of singles (two opposing players) or doubles (pairs of players). With every failed attempt to return the ball accurately, players gain points. Nonetheless, Tennis has held a room in the hearts of Indian sports fanatics.
While cricket may seem to dominate the news, tennis in India is full of the greatest Indian players of all time. From the Grand Slam Championships to the Olympics, Indian tennis players left their mark everywhere.
This article details the 5 greatest Indian tennis players of all time, their achievements, and how tennis flourished.
Top 5 Greatest Indian Tennis Players of India
1. Ramanathan Krishnan
Ramanathan Krishnan is one of the trendsetters of Indian tennis, who lead India to the global map. Known for his epic playing style on the court, he earned a remarkable win for an Indian player of that era. To add, Krishnan advanced to the Wimbledon semifinals twice (1960 & 1961). In the same way, he stood as a top-10, not merely a contender in international tennis.
Milestones:
- Wimbledon Semifinalist (1960, 1961)
- Davis Cup Runner-up (1966)
- Arjuna Award (1961)
2. Leander Paes
Leander Paes is one of the most distinguished figures in Indian tennis. His sharp reflexes, agility, and endurance made him the most victorious double player in tennis history. He carries a bronze medal from the Tokyo Olympics 2020, a Davis Cup winning record, and 18 Grand Slam titles, further solidifying his status.
Milestones:
- Atlanta Olympic Bronze Medal (1966 – Men’s Singles)
- Davis Cup (Most double wins record)
- 18 Grand Slam Titles (Men’s Doubles and Mixed Doubles)
- Winner of Australian Open (1999)
3. Mahesh Bhupati
Mahesh Bhupati is one of India’s prominent doubles players. He became the first Indian to win the Grand Slam in the year 1997. Bhupali was frequently paired with Leander Paes, creating one of the strongest tennis duos in India. Furthermore, secured the French Open mixed doubles title. His gameplay featured powerful serves and strategic plays at the net.
Milestones:
- 12 Grand Slam titles (Doubles and Mixed Doubles)
- Australian Open Winner (2006, Mixed Doubles)
- Former World’s No. 1 (Doubles)
4. Sania Mirza
India’s first female athlete is Sania Mirza. Because of her success in both singles and doubles, she became the most well-known figure. Mirza’s aggressive stroke and court coverage earned her India’s highest-rated female player. Her achievements, further, led the way for Indian girls to pursue a career in sports.
Milestones:
- 6 Grand Slam titles (Doubles and Mixed Doubles)
- Former World’s No. 1 (Women’s Doubles)
- First Indian female to win a WTA title
5. Rohan Bopanna
Another legend in Indian tennis is Rohan Bopanna. Renowned for his strong serve and relentless doubles play. He is more successful in doubles, and his contributions to Indian tennis are hard to ignore. Bopanna delivered consistently strong performances, particularly in Davis Cup matches. Plus, he has even partnered with several international players.
Milestones:
- Grand Slam Title for French Open Mixed Doubles (2017)
- Davis Cup (Member of Indian team)
- Paris Olympics 2024
Evolution of Tennis in India: Greatest Players
The contribution of notable players blazed a growing interest in tennis in India. Today, with live streaming, social media, and the presence of platforms like Cricaza, finding updates is much easier. Get live tennis scores, while watching today tennis match live with Cricaza.
| Player | Major Achievements | Key Tournaments |
| Ramanathan Krishnan | 2x Wimbledon Semifinalist | Wimbledon, Davis Cup |
| Leander Paes | Olympic Bronze, 18 Grand Slam titles | Olympics, Davis Cup, Grand Slam Championships |
| Mahesh Bhupathi | 12 Grand Slam titles | French Open, Australian Open |
| Sania Mirza | 6 Grand Slam titles, World No. 1 in Doubles | WTA Titles, Grand Slams |
| Rohan Bopanna | French Open Mixed Doubles Champion | Grand Slams, Davis Cup |
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Ramanathan Krishnan’s early contributions to the modern-day victory of players like Rohan Bopanna and Sania Mirza shaped the future of tennis in India. Likewise, the legacy of these five players has served as inspiration to countless others. Their triumphs, from Wimbledon to the 2020 Tokyo Olympics serve as a reminder of India’s immense tennis potential. Which Indian tennis player do you believe will make their international debut next?
