Top 6 Famous Tennis Players In India In 2025
The trend of tennis has increased exponentially in the last ten years, and now it is one of the most popular games in India. The increase in popularity is due to the outstanding performances of Indian tennis players who have earned a sense of pride for the nation.
Some Indian tennis players have made outstanding contributions in their careers, breaking records that have left their imprints on the game. Their success proves the significance of sports training and persistence. The following is a list of six famous Indian tennis players who have left their imprints on the game.
Famous Tennis Players in India
1. Ramanathan Krishnan
Ramanathan Krishnan, a legendary Indian tennis player, is famous for his elegant playing style and strategic moves. He was born on April 11, 1937, in Nagercoil. He was one of the most crucial players in India's success in the Davis Cup, leading the team to the finals in 1966.
Krishnan was the first Indian to win the Wimbledon Junior title in 1954 and became the Wimbledon semifinalist in 1960 and 1961. For this achievement, he was honored with the Padma Bhushan. After retirement, he continued his legacy by coaching his son, Ramesh Krishnan.
2. Vijay Amritraj
Vijay Amritraj became famous in the 1970s and 1980s, providing international recognition to Indian tennis. He was born on December 14, 1953, in Chennai. He was one of the most important players in India's Davis Cup matches, leading the team to the finals in 1974 and 1987.
Amritraj's success made him eligible for the award of Padma Shri. Besides his tennis career, he is well known for his work as a sports commentator and an actor, playing roles in movies like "Octopussy" and "Star Trek IV."
3. Leander Paes
Leander Paes is one of India's greatest doubles specialists. Born on June 17, 1973, in Kolkata, he became an Olympic bronze medalist in singles at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics. He has an incredible 18 Grand Slam titles to his name—8 men's doubles and 10 mixed doubles.
Paes is known for his quick reflexes and excellent volleying skills. He teamed up with tennis legends Martina Navratilova and Martina Hingis, and he was conferred the Padma Bhushan for his contribution to Indian tennis.
4. Mahesh Bhupathi
Mahesh Bhupathi, born on June 7, 1974, in Chennai, is best remembered for his doubles skills. He had 12 Grand Slam titles—four men's doubles and eight mixed doubles. Bhupathi made Indian tennis history as he became India's first Grand Slam champion in 1997.
He also won the No.1 doubles title and was a regular member of the Indian Davis Cup team. After retirement, he has contributed back to the sport in terms of coaching and mentoring young players.
5. Sania Mirza
Sania Mirza is India's most successful woman tennis player. Born on November 15, 1986, in Mumbai, she made history as the first Indian woman to win a Grand Slam title at the 2009 Australian Open in mixed doubles.
Her singles best ranking was No. 27, and she also became the world's No.1 doubles player. Sania's success has encouraged many young Indian sportspersons to take up tennis.
6. Ramesh Krishnan
Ramesh Krishnan, son of Ramanathan Krishnan, followed in his father's footsteps. Born on June 5, 1961, in Chennai, he had a career-best singles ranking of No. 23 and was an integral part of the Indian Davis Cup team.
He reached the quarterfinals of Wimbledon and the US Open, making a name for himself on the international circuit. After retirement, he turned coach and mentored young Indian tennis talent.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Who was India's first Grand Slam winner?
Ans: India's first Grand Slam winner was Mahesh Bhupathi in 1997 when he won the French Open mixed doubles title.
Q. Which Indians won the Wimbledon title?
Ans: Leander Paes and Mahesh Bhupathi won India's first Wimbledon men's doubles title in 1999.
Q. How many people play tennis in the world?
Ans: China has the highest number of tennis players (22.5%), followed by India (20.7%) and the USA (9.2%), according to a survey.
These players have brought immense glory to India and inspired generations to come and take up the sport and succeed.