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 Sleem 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.
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 activetennis 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 No 1. Junior in the world.
The Amritraj brothers, Krishnans, Premjit Lall and Jaideep Mukherjea together have taken the country to the Davis Cup finals thrice.
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
"Krish" as he is fondly known was ranked as high as No.3 in the world. Thetouch artist was sheer magic and was one of the most feared opponents in his days.Ramanathan Krishnan dominated the Indian scene for two decades during the 1950s and 60s. He was also a two time semi finalist at Wimbledon.
Vijay Amritraj had the distinction of reaching the quarterfinals in both Wimbledon and the U S Open twice.
The world once looked at ABC of tennis-Amritraj, Borg and Connors-in that order. Vijay however has his interests in various other fields which perhaps costed him the world number one slot but earned him a "star among super stars" status.
Ramesh Krishnan, who entered the scene in the late 70’s, was ranked No 1. Junior in the world. He too reached quarterfinals of Wimbledon and U S Open.
The Big Bang finally happened when Leander Paes and Mahesh Bhupathi won two Grand Slam titles back to back, the first Indians to do so. Having brought home the French Open Doubles title in 1999, the duo stunned the tennis world by winning the double’s title at the prestigious Wimbledon in 1999.
Other notable players are
Ghouse Mohammed, Jaideep Mukherjea, Premjit Lall, Anand Amritraj, Sumant Misra, Man Mohan Lal, Sashi Menon & Jasjit Singh.