From Sydney Jacob to Rohan Bopanna

In the 1880s The British army and civilian officers brought tennis to India. Soon after, regular tournaments like ‘Punjab Lawn tennis Championship’ at Lahore (Now in Pakistan) (1885); Bengal Lawn Tennis Championship’ at Calcutta (1887) and the All-India Tennis Championships at Allahabad in (1910) were organised.

A need for a governing body was felt during the time, when Indian tennis players continued to be dominant in the sports, at the national level. This gave rise to the birth of the All-India Lawn Tennis Association (AILTA) at Lahore in 1920.

Soon some of the established players in Indian tennis, including Sydney Jacob, Mohammed Saleem, LS Deane, and AA Fayzee, went on to represent India at the prestigious Davis Cup, for the first time in 1921. Jacob competed in the singles event at the 1924 Summer Olympics, reaching the quarter-final in which he lost to Jean Borotra. With compatriot Mohammed Sleem he competed in the men’s doubles event and reached the second round. He also competed in the mixed doubles event, with compatriot Nora Polley, but lost their first match in the second round. Jacob reached the semi-finals at the French championships in 1925, where he beat Jacques Brugnon and Andre Gobert, before losing to René Lacoste.

The maiden Inter Provincial Tournament was held in 1922, with Punjab Lawn Tennis Association led by Mohammed Saleem while the first Grass Court National Championship was held at Calcutta in 1946. Sumant Misra grabbed the maiden title by defeating Manmohan Lal. Thereafter, a fresh new breed of promising Indian players, including Sumant Misra Dilip Bose and the young Ramanathan Krishnan was introduced to the game. They captured the crown at the tournament, until 1955. Others who dominated the championship included Premjit Lall, Jaidip Mukherjea and Vijay Amritraj and Ramesh Krishnan.

The entry of Sania Mirza has breathed in fresh air to the Indian tennis. She has managed to put up the best show by unfurling Indian women tennis flag abroad. She has become the inspiration to the young female sporting enthusiasts of the country. Leander Paes, Mahesh Bhupati, and Rohan Bopanna are among the others to pick up the gauntlet and to enhance the stature of Indian tennis at the international level.

Coming to performance, Ghaus Mohammed (first Indian quarter finalist at Wimbledon (1939), Dilip Bose (Asian champion), Sumant Mishra (Wimbledon Double quarter finalist with Jimmy Mehta), Naresh Kumar fourth round, Wimbledon, 1955, quarter finalist in Doubles 1953,1955, 1958) & Mixed Doubles quarterfinalist at Wimbledon (1958), Ramanathan Krishnan (twice first Indian semi-finalist at Wimbledon, 1960 & 1961 & in Potter’s amateur rankings. No 3), Ramesh Krishnan (Wimbledon quarter-finalist) and then a big upward surge starting from Vijay Amritraj (in 1973 reached the quarterfinals at two Grand Slam; at Wimbledon, lost in five sets to the eventual champion Jan Kodeš and at the US Open, lost to Ken Rosewall after having beaten Rod Laver two rounds earlier.

In 1981, he reached the quarterfinals of Wimbledon before losing in five sets to Connors; beat John McEnroe in the first round of Cincinnati Masters in 1984. Overall, he had five career wins over Jimmy Connors in their eleven matches.; member of Indian Davis Cup teams that reached finals in 1974 & 1987); Leander Paes (first Indian bronze medalist in tennis at Atlanta Olympics in 1996; one of the greatest doubles tennis players of all-time and holds the record for the most doubles wins in the Davis Cup. Paes won eight men’s doubles and ten mixed doubles Grand Slam titles); Sania Mirza (former doubles world No. 1, she won six major titles – three in women’s doubles and three in mixed doubles).

And now to Rohan Bopanna (specialises in doubles. He attained the world No. 1 ranking after winning his first major doubles title at the 2024 Australian Open with Matthew Ebden, becoming the oldest first-time No. 1 at the age of 43). He has won two major titles in doubles, 2017 French Open mixed doubles & recent men’s doubles at the Australian open), it has been a long journey, at times with crests but more of troughs. However, from Ramanathan Krishnan, Vijay Amritraj, Ramesh Krishnan, Leander Paes, Mahesh Bhupati, Sania Mirza to Rohan Bopanna, the Indian tennis has witnessed many memorable moments. Here are glimpses of the saga of successes in the annals of Indian tennis.

Embarking on a journey through the vibrant history of the Australian Open, the American Open, the French Open and the most coveted the Wimbledon, the extraordinary achievements of Indian tennis maestros are covered here. The courts of Melbourne have witnessed the brilliance of Leander Paes, Mahesh Bhupathi, Sania Mirza, and Rohan Bopanna, as they etched their names in Grand Slam glory. From thrilling mixed doubles partnerships to compelling victories in men’s and women’s doubles, these Indian players have left an indelible mark on the prestigious tournaments.

Grand Slam success was right around the corner as Paes and Bhupathi beat the Croatian-American pair of Goran Ivanisevic and Jeff Tarango in straight sets to win the 1999 French Open final to become the first Indians to win a doubles Grand Slam. Paes and Bhupathi would go on to win another Grand Slam in 2001 at the French Open and a gold in men’s doubles at the Busan Asian Games in 2002 before parting ways later that year. Bhupathi announced his retirement in 2013 with a career of 10 Grand Slams (four men’s doubles and six mixed doubles), including a career Grand Slam in mixed doubles.

Leander Paes, the Indian tennis legend, showcased his prowess in mixed doubles, securing three Australian Open titles with illustrious partners like Martina Navratilova, Cara Black, and Martina Hingis.

Mahesh Bhupathi left an indelible mark on the Australian Open, clinching two mixed doubles titles. His partnerships with Martina Hingis and Sania Mirza added glitter to his Grand Slam journey.

Sania Mirza scripted history in 2016, claiming the Women’s Doubles crown alongside Martina Hingis. Their formidable partnership mesmerised fans, making them the team to beat at the Australian Open. Leander Paes continued his Australian Open success, teaming up with Radek Stepanek to conquer the Men’s Doubles title in 2012. Their chemistry on the court was a sight to behold.

Leander Paes and Radek Stepanek’s victory in the Men’s Doubles in 2012 was a testament to international collaborations. The Indian-Czech duo displayed skill, strategy, and true sportsmanship.

The dynamic duo of Mahesh Bhupathi and Sania Mirza etched their names in history, claiming the mixed doubles title in 2009. Their synergy was a testament to Indian excellence on the global tennis stage. Sania Mirza’s triumph in the mixed doubles with compatriot Mahesh Bhupathi in 2009 showcased the prowess of Indian players, highlighting the collaborative spirit that makes Indian tennis shine.

Leander Paes and Martina Hingis’ partnership soared to new heights in 2015, securing the mixed doubles title. Their coordination and strategic brilliance dazzled audiences at the Australian Open.

Sania Mirza’s 2016 Women’s Doubles victory at the Australian Open showcased her individual brilliance. It was a historic moment for Indian tennis on the global stage.