The legendary tennis player inspires millions of young Indian tennis players who dream of becoming the Grand Slam winner or Olympic medalist. Paes remains the only Indian to win a medal in tennis at the Olympics.
The 51-year-old Kolkata-born player first emerged in international tennis after winning the Junior titles at the US Open and Wimbledon. He was quick to clinch the no.1 rankings and kicked off his professional career with an Olympic medal in 1996.
At the age of 23, he defeated Brazil’s Fernando Meligeni to win the bronze medal in the men’s singles event at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics. Paes became the only third Indian to win a medal at the Olympics after Norman Pritchard and Khashaba Jadhav.
After his historic medal in 1996, Paes focused on doubles and went on to win a record 18 Grand Slam titles in men’s doubles and mixed doubles. With an Olympic medal and 18 majors, Paes is regarded as one of the best tennis players India has ever produced.
