India boasts a storied tennis legacy, with its players achieving remarkable feats both domestically and internationally. Over the years, these athletes have demonstrated exceptional talent, resilience, and determination, earning accolades that have inspired generations. Here, we explore the journeys of the top 10 Indian tennis players who reached the pinnacle of the sport with their record-breaking rankings.
1. Leander Paes
Leander Paes is often regarded as one of India’s finest tennis players. Renowned for his quick reflexes and strategic mastery, Paes has left a lasting legacy in the sport.
- Highest Doubles Ranking: World No. 1 (1999)
Key Milestones:
- Secured 18 Grand Slam titles, including 8 in men’s doubles and 10 in mixed doubles.
- Won a bronze medal in singles at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics.
- Represented India in a record number of Davis Cup matches, earning the reputation of a team stalwart.
Paes’ unparalleled consistency and dedication to the game have set a benchmark for Indian tennis enthusiasts.
2. Mahesh Bhupathi
Mahesh Bhupathi is a name synonymous with doubles excellence. Known for his powerful serve and adept net skills, Bhupathi, along with Leander Paes, formed one of the most successful doubles partnerships in tennis history.
- Highest Doubles Ranking: World No. 1 (1999)
Key Milestones:
- Claimed 12 Grand Slam titles, including 4 in men’s doubles and 8 in mixed doubles.
- Made history as the first Indian to win a Grand Slam, triumphing in the 1997 French Open mixed doubles.
- Established a tennis academy to nurture young talent in India.
Bhupathi’s contributions extend beyond his on-court achievements, as he continues to shape the future of Indian tennis.
3. Ramesh Krishnan
Ramesh Krishnan upheld the tennis legacy of his father, Ramanathan Krishnan, with his graceful playing style and strategic brilliance. A stalwart during his era, Ramesh earned recognition for his composure and craft on the court.
- Highest Singles Ranking: World No. 23 (1985)
Key Milestones:
- Advanced to the quarterfinals of both Wimbledon and the US Open.
- Played a crucial role in guiding India to the Davis Cup finals in 1987.
- Won multiple ATP titles during his career.
Known for his calm approach and tactical intelligence, Ramesh Krishnan earned admiration both in India and across the tennis world.
4. Ramanathan Krishnan
Ramanathan Krishnan was a trailblazer for Indian tennis, making waves in the pre-Open Era with his graceful playing style and sharp groundstrokes. His achievements laid the foundation for Indian tennis on the global stage.
- Highest World Ranking: No. 3 (1960s)
Key Achievements:
- Reached the Wimbledon semifinals twice, in 1960 and 1961.
- Played a pivotal role in India’s journey to the Davis Cup finals in 1966.
- Clinched numerous titles in both domestic and international tournaments.
Krishnan’s success came at a time when Indian tennis faced numerous challenges, including limited resources and infrastructure. His legacy as a pioneer of the sport remains unmatched.
5. Sania Mirza
Sania Mirza stands as a beacon of inspiration in Indian sports, having broken countless barriers as one of the country’s most accomplished female tennis players. Her achievements have inspired a generation of young women to take up tennis.
- Highest Doubles Ranking: World No. 1 (2015)
- Highest Singles Ranking: World No. 27 (2007)
Key Achievements:
- Won 6 Grand Slam titles: 3 in women’s doubles and 3 in mixed doubles.
- Held the World No. 1 doubles ranking for an impressive 91 weeks.
- Represented India in multiple Olympics and Asian Games, earning numerous medals.
Known for her aggressive baseline game and fearless determination, Sania is celebrated not only as a tennis star but as a cultural icon who redefined women’s sports in India.
6. Vijay Amritraj
Vijay Amritraj emerged as one of India’s first tennis superstars during the Open Era. With his charm, powerful serve-and-volley style, and competitive spirit, he became a prominent figure on the international stage in the 1970s and 1980s.
- Highest Singles Ranking: World No. 16 (1980)
Key Achievements:
- Reached the quarterfinals at Wimbledon and the US Open on multiple occasions.
- Scored victories over legendary players such as Björn Borg and Jimmy Connors.
- Was instrumental in India’s Davis Cup success, helping the team reach the finals twice.
Beyond his exploits on the court, Amritraj became a global ambassador for tennis, delving into acting and philanthropy while continuing to promote the sport worldwide.
7. Ankita Raina
Ankita Raina has emerged as a leading force in Indian tennis, consistently proving her mettle on the WTA circuit in both singles and doubles. Her grit and determination have made her a standout in recent years.
Highest WTA Singles Ranking: World No. 160 (2018)
- Highest WTA Doubles Ranking: World No. 45 (2021)
Key Achievements:
- Secured multiple ITF titles across singles and doubles.
- Represented India in prestigious events like the Fed Cup and the Olympics.
- Earned a bronze medal in mixed doubles at the 2018 Asian Games.
Raina’s commitment to improving her game and her relentless work ethic make her one of the brightest hopes for Indian tennis moving forward.
8. Somdev Devvarman
Somdev Devvarman made waves in Indian tennis during the late 2000s and early 2010s, impressing fans with his incredible stamina and counter-punching style. He brought renewed energy to Indian men’s tennis with his inspiring performances.
- Highest ATP Singles Ranking: World No. 62 (2011)
Key Achievements:
- Bagged two gold medals at the 2010 Asian Games.
- Reached the ATP Chennai Open finals twice.
- Played a pivotal role for India in the Davis Cup.
Somdev’s unyielding fitness and mental strength distinguished him as a formidable competitor on the international stage.
9. Yuki Bhambri
Yuki Bhambri has long been considered one of India’s most naturally gifted tennis players. Despite a career interrupted by injuries, his raw talent and athleticism have consistently shone through.
- Highest ATP Singles Ranking: World No. 83 (2018)
Key Achievements:
- Clinched the Junior Australian Open title in 2009.
- Won multiple ATP Challenger tournaments.
- Represented India in the Davis Cup with notable performances.
Bhambri’s resilience in overcoming challenges and his potential for even greater achievements make him a key player in Indian tennis.
10. Prajnesh Gunneswaran
Prajnesh Gunneswaran has steadily risen through the ranks to become one of India’s most reliable tennis players. His aggressive baseline game and consistent performances on the ATP Tour have earned him a place among the nation’s top tennis stars.
- Highest ATP Singles Ranking: World No. 75 (2019)
Key Achievements:
- Captured several ATP Challenger titles.
- Represented India at the Davis Cup and Asian Games.
- Competed in the main draws of all four Grand Slam events.
Gunneswaran’s rise in the highly competitive world of tennis reflects his perseverance and dedication, making him a valuable figure in Indian tennis today.
