Leander Paes to showcase Grand Slam trophies in Tennis Hall of Fame

NEW DELHI: Leander Paes, a tennis icon, is set to be honored as one of the first Indian players to join the esteemed International Tennis Hall of Fame. During the induction ceremony scheduled for later this month, Paes will display four of his cherished trophies.
The announcement was made by the 18-time Grand Slam champion at a special Wimbledon-themed event held at the Taj Hotel on Saturday.
Alongside Paes, Vijay Amritraj, another Indian tennis great, will also be inducted into the Class of 2024. Amritraj has chosen to showcase his Padma Shri, which he was awarded in 1983, as part of the induction ceremony.
"I am going to be showcasing four Grand Slam winning trophies – Australian Open, French Open, Wimbledon and US Open, four runners-up trophies because my father never lets me forget that I've lost 16 finals, and because it means so much to me, I am also sharing my Olympic medal (bronze in 1996) with the Hall of Fame," said Paes.
"Along with that there will be a tennis racquet from Wimbledon, a towel from my 2016 French Open win with Martina Hingis, my Davis Cup blazer and my Olympic tracksuit from 1996."
The International Tennis Hall of Fame informed the 51-year-old Paes, who is also a recipient of the Padma Bhushan, about his induction a few months ago. This recognition is a testament to his remarkable contributions to the sport throughout his illustrious career.
"It is not easy to be inducted, there are only 274 people in the history of the sport in the International Tennis Hall of Fame. It is magical and Leander Paes is one of those icons," said Dan Faber, CEO of the International Tennis Hall of Fame.
"Wimbledon is a tradition that brings us together, fills us with excitement and showcases the best of human grit and determination. Today, we honour a very special champion of the sport," added Mehrnavaz Avari, UK Director of the Taj St. James' Court.