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| India has always had a top level performer in world tennis. |
The country has made an indelible mark in the Davis Cup competition year after year. While the Cup was introduced in the beginning of 1900, India joined the Cup fraternity only in 1921 as one of the 11 teams to participate. Today however, the number of teams has burgeoned to amazing figures with over 135 teams participating in the Davis Cup competition. Tennis, which is one of the oldest ball games, was played even during the Roman Empire. Tennis was first seen played in India during the British Raj, by the British officers. In fact, it was the British who started the All India Lawn Tennis Championships at Allahabad in 1910. A decade later the All India Lawn Tennis Association came into being. In them days, the British dominated the courts and it was only in 1915 that an Indian became a champion – Mohammed Saleem became the first singles champion. India has had association with Wimbledon right from 1908 when Sardar Nihal Singh became the first Indian to have played there. It was during this time that a number of names emerged like Ghouse Mohammed, Man Mohan Lal, Sumant Misra. However it was Ramanathan Krishnan who made big news. With this maestro of Indian tennis, a new era started at Wimbledon in 1954, when he became the Junior Wimbledon champion – a first by any Asian. |
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In the 60’s, Indian tennis took on a new mantle with Krishnan, Premjit Lall and
Jaidip Mukherjea, all talented players going on to winning a number of tournaments for the
country. The Indian star Krishnan retired from active tennis in the late 60’s, only
to usher in another brilliant player of the game, Vijay Amritraj. With a tall and athletic
build, Vijay had mastered a smooth stroke play. In 1973, he reached the quarterfinals in
both Wimbledon and the U S Open. A man with a powerful personality, Vijay retired from the
game towards the end of the 80’s, leaving behind a remarkable impression. Vijay along
with his brother Anand Amritraj were until recently the best doubles combination.
India has always produced a series of champions and Ramesh Krishnan, a chip of the old
block, was one such who entered the scene in the late 70’s. He had become the junior
Wimbledon champion as well as won the Junior French title. He was ranked The Amritraj brothers, Krishnans, Premjit Lall and Jaideep Mukherjea together have taken the country to the Davis Cup finals thrice. |
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Currently, India’s pride lies in the youngsters Leander Paes and Mahesh Bhupathi.
They have done the country proud by bringing home many trophies of international stature
including the first Grand Slam title won by an Indian team – they brought home the
French Open Doubles title in 1999. Mahesh also has the distinction of winning the mixed
doubles title in ’97 teaming up with Japanese Rika Hiraki – the first Grand Slam
title won by an Indian. In 1999 Wimbledon, Mahesh and Leander brought home the biggest
trophy in tennis doubles by winning the Doubles Title. A tremendous effort by
twosome, two Grand Slams, back to back. This time it was Leander's turn to add a mixed doubles title, partnering with America's Lisa Raymond. |
| Champions From India |
