Leander Paes has been a household name in the tennis world for over two decades. With a career spanning 30 years, he has won numerous titles, including 18 Grand Slam trophies. As Paes enters his 47th year, many are left wondering: is he still playing tennis? The answer is yes, and he’s showing no signs of slowing down anytime soon.
Paes’ passion for tennis remains unwavering, despite his age. He continues to showcase his skills and inspire younger players on and off the court. In fact, he was recently seen competing at the Australian Open in January of 2020. Watching him tirelessly at work, it’s easy to see why he’s revered in the sport.
As a true champion, Leander Paes’ career serves as a testament to the importance of hard work, dedication, and a mindset that never gives up. Even as he approaches 50, he continues to inspire and define what it means to be a world-class tennis player. It’s no wonder that fans and fellow players alike eagerly await his next match, eager to see what he’ll do next.
Leander Paes’ Early Career
Leander Paes is one of the most successful tennis players from India. He was born in Kolkata on June 17, 1973, to Indian hockey player Vece Paes and Jennifer Paes. Leander comes from a sporting family, his father has won bronze for India in the 1972 Summer Olympics, while his mother was a basketball player. Paes started playing tennis at the young age of five, and his potential in the game was evident since then.
Paes’ early career was remarkable as he bagged his first-ever Grand Slam title at the age of 21. He won the men’s doubles title at the 1996 French Open alongside Mahesh Bhupathi. The pair went on to win several Grand Slam titles together and were widely known as the “Indian Express”.
- Paes won a Bronze medal in the men’s singles category at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, making him the first Indian to win a medal in tennis.
- He also won the mixed doubles title at the 1999 Wimbledon Championship with Lisa Raymond.
- Paes won the men’s doubles titles at the 1999 and 2001 French Opens with Bhupathi, and the 2006 US Open with Martin Damm.
Paes’ skill on the tennis court earned him many accolades and made him a household name in India. His powerful serve, quick reflexes, and sharp volleys made up for his short height on the tennis court. Paes’ love for the game and hard work made all the difference in his early career.
Paes continues to play professional tennis even today, at the age of 48. Currently ranked world number 95 in men’s doubles, he has won a total of 18 Grand Slam titles in his illustrious career. His name will forever be etched in the history of Indian tennis as one of the greatest to have ever played the game.
Leander Paes’ Grand Slam Record
Leander Paes, the Indian tennis ace, is one of the most successful doubles players in the world. He has won several Grand Slam titles in men’s doubles and mixed doubles, making him one of the most decorated Indian tennis players. Let’s take a look at his Grand Slam record.
- Leander Paes has won a total of 18 Grand Slam doubles titles.
- He has won 8 Grand Slam mixed doubles titles.
- Paes has reached a total of 30 Grand Slam finals in his career.
Leander Paes has had a stellar Grand Slam career that spans over two decades. He won his first Grand Slam title in 1999 at the French Open, partnering with Mahesh Bhupathi in the men’s doubles category.
Paes’ Grand Slam record also includes a career Grand Slam in mixed doubles, which he achieved in 2003. He won all four Grand Slam mixed doubles titles in that year, partnering with different players – Martina Navratilova, Cara Black, and Rennae Stubbs.
| Tournament | Year | Partner | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Australian Open | 2012 | Radek Stepanek | Winner |
| French Open | 2009 | Lukas Dlouhy | Winner |
| Wimbledon | 1999, 2003, 2010, 2015 | P. Bhupathi, M. Navratilova, C. Black, H. Hsieh | Winner |
| US Open | 2006, 2009, 2011 | M. Bhupathi, L. Dlouhy, R. Stepanek | Winner |
Paes has also been a runner-up on multiple occasions. He has finished as a runner-up in 10 Grand Slam men’s doubles finals and 2 Grand Slam mixed doubles finals. His most recent Grand Slam title came in 2015, when he won the mixed doubles title at Wimbledon with Martina Hingis.
Overall, Leander Paes’ Grand Slam record is incredibly impressive, and he continues to be an asset to the Indian tennis circuit even today.
Leander Paes’ Olympic Record
Leander Paes is a veteran tennis player from India who has played in numerous international tournaments. He has represented India at the Olympics seven times, from 1992 to 2016.
- Paes won his first Olympic medal in 1996, when he teamed up with fellow Indian player Mahesh Bhupathi to win the Bronze in the men’s doubles event in Atlanta.
- In 2000, Paes and Bhupathi reached the finals of the men’s doubles event in Sydney, but lost to the Australian duo of Todd Woodbridge and Mark Woodforde. Paes also participated in the men’s singles event but was knocked out in the second round.
- Paes won his second Olympic medal in 2004, this time a Silver in the men’s doubles event, again with Bhupathi, in Athens.
Paes also participated in the mixed doubles event in the 2012 London Olympics, where he partnered with Sania Mirza. The duo reached the quarterfinals before being knocked out by eventual bronze medalists Laura Robson and Andy Murray of Great Britain.
In 2016, at the age of 43, Paes made yet another appearance at the Olympics, this time in Rio de Janeiro. He partnered with Rohan Bopanna in the men’s doubles event and the duo made it to the quarterfinals before being eliminated.
| Year | Event | Medal | Partner |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1996 | Men’s Doubles | Bronze | Mahesh Bhupathi |
| 2000 | Men’s Doubles | Silver | Mahesh Bhupathi |
| 2004 | Men’s Doubles | Silver | Mahesh Bhupathi |
Paes’ Olympic record speaks to his exceptional talent and longevity in the sport of tennis. His tenacity and leadership on the court continue to inspire younger generations of Indian athletes.
Leander Paes’ Davis Cup Career
Since making his Davis Cup debut in 1990, Leander Paes has been an integral part of the Indian tennis team, holding the record for the most Davis Cup doubles wins (44) and the highest number of ties played (56).
- Paes’ first Davis Cup match was against Japan in 1990, where he played in the doubles match and helped India secure a crucial point in the tie.
- Paes has represented India in the Davis Cup for a staggering 30 years, taking part in a total of 56 ties.
- Paes’ most successful Davis Cup partnership has been with Mahesh Bhupathi. Together, they won 25 doubles matches and reached the finals of the Davis Cup in 1999 and 2003.
Paes has also had the honor of leading the Indian Davis Cup team as the captain. In 2017, he was appointed as the non-playing captain of the Indian Davis Cup team.
| Number | Opponent | Partner | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Japan | Anand Amritraj | Won |
| 44 | Korea | Rohan Bopanna | Won |
| 56 | China | Sumit Nagal | Lost |
Paes’ commitment and contribution to the Davis Cup team have been immense, and his experience continues to inspire the younger generation of Indian tennis players.
Leander Paes’ Mixed Doubles Success
Leander Paes’ mixed doubles success is an impressive achievement that has earned him recognition and admiration in the tennis world. Here are some of the highlights of his mixed doubles career:
- Paes has won a total of 8 mixed doubles Grand Slam titles, including the Australian Open (2003), French Open (1999, 2001), Wimbledon (1999, 2003, 2010) and US Open (2006, 2015).
- He is the oldest man to have won a Grand Slam title, having won the 2015 US Open mixed doubles at the age of 42.
- Paes has won a total of 48 mixed doubles titles on the ATP Tour, making him one of the most successful mixed doubles players in history.
Paes’ success in mixed doubles can be attributed to his incredible net skills, quick reflexes, and overall tactical understanding of the game. He has played with numerous partners over the years, including Martina Hingis, Cara Black, and Lisa Raymond, showcasing his adaptability and versatility on the court.
Below is a table of Paes’ mixed doubles Grand Slam titles:
| Tournament | Partner | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Australian Open | Martina Navratilova | 2003 |
| French Open | Lisa Raymond | 1999 |
| French Open | Barbara Schett | 2001 |
| Wimbledon | Lisa Raymond | 1999 |
| Wimbledon | Martina Navratilova | 2003 |
| Wimbledon | Cara Black | 2010 |
| US Open | Martina Navratilova | 2006 |
| US Open | Martina Hingis | 2015 |
Overall, Paes’ mixed doubles success is a testament to his skills as a player and his ability to work effectively with a range of partners. He continues to compete at the highest level and is a true legend of the game.
Leander Paes’ Philanthropic Efforts
Leander Paes is a renowned tennis player who has made significant contributions to Indian tennis. However, he is not just known for his athletic feats, but also his philanthropic efforts. Paes has been involved in various charitable initiatives throughout his career, aimed at empowering young people through sports, supporting underprivileged communities, and promoting education.
Paes Foundation
One of the most significant contributions made by Paes is the establishment of Paes Foundation, a charitable organization that focuses on developing sports among young people. The foundation provides sports training, equipment, and facilities to underprivileged children, enabling them to learn life skills through sports. Since its establishment, the foundation has supported numerous children from disadvantaged backgrounds, helping them to build confidence and move towards a brighter future.
Support for Cancer Patients
- Paes has been actively involved in raising awareness about cancer and supporting cancer patients. He has been associated with various cancer care organizations and has campaigned for better cancer care facilities in India.
- In 2012, he donated his Wimbledon outfit to a charity auction to raise funds for cancer patients. The auction raised over Rs. 90 lakhs, which were used to support cancer patients in India.
- Along with former Indian cricketer Yuvraj Singh, Paes established the ‘YouWeCan’ Foundation that supports cancer patients in various ways.
Education
Paes is a strong advocate of education and has been actively promoting education among young people. He has supported various educational initiatives, including providing scholarships to underprivileged children. He has also been associated with Teach For India, a non-profit organization that works towards eliminating educational inequity in India.
Hurricane Relief Efforts
Paes has also extended his support to communities affected by natural disasters. In 2017, he contributed to hurricane relief efforts in the Caribbean by donating a portion of his prize money from a tournament he participated in. He also visited affected communities to assess the situation and extend his support.
Environmental Initiatives
Paes has been associated with various environmental initiatives, aimed at promoting sustainability and protecting the environment. He has been involved in campaigns to save the tiger population in India and has also advocated for the use of renewable energy sources.
| Year | Initiative |
|---|---|
| 2015 | Supported the ‘Save Our Tigers’ campaign by raising awareness about tiger conservation |
| 2017 | Installed solar panels at his residence to promote the use of renewable energy sources |
| 2019 | Associated with ‘The Third Eye’ initiative that aimed to promote the use of eco-friendly products |
Leander Paes’ philanthropic efforts demonstrate his commitment to making a positive impact on society. His contributions towards sports, education, cancer care, and environmental protection have inspired many to join the cause and contribute towards building a better world.
Leander Paes’ Coaching Career
Leander Paes, one of the most accomplished tennis players in India, has also made a name for himself as a coach. Paes has shared his vast knowledge of the game with several players over the years. Here is a closer look at Leander Paes’ coaching career:
- Paes’ first coaching stint was with Sania Mirza in 2008. He helped her prepare for the 2008 Beijing Olympics where she went on to win a bronze medal in the women’s doubles event.
- In 2011, Paes was also involved in coaching Filipino player Treat Huey. Huey teamed up with Dominic Inglot to become the first Filipino player in history to reach the Wimbledon men’s doubles semifinals.
- Paes served as captain of the Indian Davis Cup team from 2017 to 2020. During his tenure, he helped India secure wins over China, Uzbekistan, and Pakistan.
Paes has also mentored many young Indian players, including Saketh Myneni, Prajnesh Gunneswaran, and Ramkumar Ramanathan. He has used his vast experience to help these players improve their game and reach new heights in their careers.
Here is a table summarizing Paes’ coaching career:
| Player | Year | Achievements |
|---|---|---|
| Sania Mirza | 2008 | Olympic bronze in women’s doubles |
| Treat Huey | 2011 | Wimbledon men’s doubles semifinalist |
Leander Paes’ coaching career has been an extension of his passion for tennis. Along with his achievements as a player, Paes has also helped groom several young players and has played a key role in their success.
FAQs: Is Leander Paes Still Playing Tennis?
1. Is Leander Paes retired?
Leander Paes retired from professional tennis in 2020, but still plays occasionally in exhibition matches.
2. What age is Leander Paes now?
Leander Paes was born on June 17, 1973, which makes him 48 years old as of 2021.
3. Has Leander Paes won any recent titles?
Leander Paes has not won any ATP tour titles since 2015, but he did win a Challenger doubles title in 2019.
4. Is Leander Paes still playing in Grand Slams?
Leander Paes has not played in a Grand Slam event since the 2020 Australian Open.
5. Does Leander Paes still play for India in Davis Cup matches?
Leander Paes retired from Davis Cup matches in 2018, but he did play in the tournament for more than 25 years.
6. Will Leander Paes be playing in the 2021 Olympics?
Leander Paes retired from professional tennis before the 2021 Olympics, so he did not participate.
Closing Thoughts: Thanks for Reading!
Thanks for taking the time to learn about Leander Paes’ current status in tennis. While he may not be playing competitively as much as he used to, he is still active in the sport and remains a legend for his achievements. Don’t forget to come back and check for more updates on the world of tennis!