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Leander Paes

Leander Paes is an Indian professional tennis player who has won eight doubles and ten mixed doubles Grand Slam and he is the oldest man to have won a Grand Slam. He also holds a career Grand Slam in mens double and has achieved the raremens mixed doubles at the 1999 Wimbledon tournament. His mixed doubles Wimbledon title in 2010 made him the second man after Rod Laver to win Wimbledon titles in three decades. He has represented India in consecutive Olympic appearances from 1992 to 2016 and he is the only Indian as well as the only tennis player to compete at seven Olympic Games. He is a former team captain of Davis cup and holds the record for most Davis cups doubles wins with 42 victories. He is the sports ambassador of Haryana state.Born on 17th June 1973 in Calcutta, India his parents are Vece Paes and Jennifer Paes. Leander did his schooling from La Martiniere Calcutta and then he completed his further studies from St. Xaviers college belonging to the University of Calcutta. His parents were both sportsperson, his father was a midfielder in the Indian hockey team and was also a part of 1972 bronze medal winning team in Munich Olympics. His mother played basketball and was the captain of Indian basketball team in the 1980 Asian basketball championship. Paes was coached by Dave OMera in the Britannia Amritraj Tennis Academy from Chennai in 1985. The academy played an important role in his career and he won the 1990 Wimbledon junior title and earned the no. 1 title in Junior world rankings. After winning the junior title in 1990, Paes reached in quarter finals of the 1992 Barcelona Olympics. In the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, he won bronze medal defeating Fernando Meligeni and became the first Indian to win an individual medal after four decades. In 1993 in the ATP circuit, he partnered with Sebastien Lareau and reached the US Open doubles semifinal and in 1994 he reached the quarter finals of the 1995Australian open doubles with Kevin Ullyett. In 1996 he partnered with Mahesh Bhupati and in 1997 they reached the semifinals of US Open. Paes climbed the double ranking from 89 to 14 at the end of year and in the same year he also made his best singles performance in Grand Slam and reached the third round of 1997 US Open. In 1998, the doubles team of Bhupati and Paes reached the semifinals of three Grand slams, Australian Open, French Open and US Open and in 1999 the duo reached the finals of all the four Grand Slams and also won the Wimbledon and French Open becoming the first Indian pair to win the Grand Slam. Paes was given the honour of carrying the Indian flag in the Sydney Olympic . In 2002 Asian games in Busan, Paes and Bhupatis duo won the gold medal . FROM 2003, Paes started to focus on doubles and mixed doubles game and won the mixed doubles in Australian Open and Wimbledon with Martina Navratilova. In the 2004 Athens Olympic games his duo with Bhupati and reached the semi finals. Paes then led Indian tennis team at the Doha Asian Games and won two golds, one in mens double partnering with Bhupathi and mixed doubles with Sania Mirza and he maintained his double ranking in top 20 from 2005-07.in 2008 he won the US Open mixed doubles title with Cara Black and in 2009 he won the French Open and US Open doubles title with Lukas Dlouhy and also was the runner up in mixed doubles at the US Open. In 2010 he again won the Australian Open mixed doubles with Cara Black making the pairs third consecutive Grand Slam final and his fourth overall. Paes won the 2013 US Open mens double with RadekStepanek and won his 3rd US Open Mens doubles title and 14th Grand Slam title. He later in 2014 won the Malaysian Open mens double with Marcin Matkowski. In 2015, Paes captured his seventh Grand Slam mixed doubles at the Australian Open with Martina Hingis and also won the Wimbledon Open in 2015 and after this win, he shares the record for most such titles won in the gentlemens section in the open era with Owen Davidson. In June 2016, he completed his Career Grand Slam in mixed doubles tennis by winning the 2016 French Open with Martina Hingis. He also qualified for the 2016 Summer Olympics in Mens double with Rohan Bopanna but the duo didnt perform well in the Olympics.Paes had a live-in relationship with Rhea Pillai in 2005 and the couple has a daughter Aiyana, however she has filed a case of domestic violence against him in June 2014. In 2010, he joined Board of Directors of Olympic Gold Quest a foundation co-founded by Geet Sethi and Prakash Padukone to supported talented athletes from India in winning Olympic medals. He is one of the most successful professional tennis players in India and has received the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna award, Indias highest sporting honour in 1996-97 and the Arjuna Award in 1990; Padma Shri award in 2001 and Padma Bhushan the 3rd highest civilian award in January 2014 for his outstanding performance and contribution to Tennis in India. Apart from Tennis, Paes has also made his film debut in Ashok KohlisRajdhani Express, a socio-political thriller. He has also been offered his first Hollywood script.

Leander Paes Reflects on Evolution of Sports in India, Says It's Not Just About Winning Medals
India.com Sports Desk | December 9, 2021 5:24 PM IST
A report commissioned by Sporjo has revealed the transformation of Indian sports during the past
Leander Paes Reflects on Evolution of Sports in India, Says It's Not Just About Winning Medals
indiacom
2021-12-09T06:24:12+00:00
2021-12-09T06:24:12+00:00
Leander Paes
India.com
Tennis Star Leander Paes, Actor Nafisa Ali Join TMC in Goa As Party Gears Up For 2022 Elections
India.com News Desk | October 29, 2021 2:00 PM IST
On October 24, 300 people have joined the All India TMC in three different events that took place
Tennis Star Leander Paes, Actor Nafisa Ali Join TMC in Goa As Party Gears Up For 2022 Elections
indiacom
2021-10-29T03:00:38+00:00
2021-10-29T03:08:26+00:00
Leander Paes
India.com
Better to Split Up Once You Start Doubting Your Partner: Martina Hingis on Bhupathi-Paes Partnership
India.com Sports Desk | September 23, 2021 2:25 PM IST
Former Swiss tennis ace Martina Hingis has shared her views on Mahesh Bhupathi-Leander Paes'
Better to Split Up Once You Start Doubting Your Partner: Martina Hingis on Bhupathi-Paes Partnership
indiacom
2021-09-23T03:25:43+00:00
2021-09-23T03:32:34+00:00
Leander Paes
India.com
Independence Day 2021: From Milkha Singh to Sachin Tendulkar, a Look at India's Greatest XI in Sports Post Independence
Sajal Patra | August 15, 2021 6:44 AM IST
As India gear up to celebrate the 75th Independence Day on August 15, 2021, we at india.com take a
Independence Day 2021: From Milkha Singh to Sachin Tendulkar, a Look at India's Greatest XI in Sports Post In
indiacom
2021-08-14T19:44:40+00:00
2021-08-14T19:45:40+00:00
Leander Paes
India.com
It'll Take a While Before India Wins Another Olympic Tennis Medal: Leander Paes
IANS | July 15, 2021 10:35 PM IST
Leander Paes, winner of multiple Grand Slam titles, has said it will take a while before India can
It'll Take a While Before India Wins Another Olympic Tennis Medal: Leander Paes
indiacom
2021-07-15T11:35:44+00:00
2021-07-15T12:17:46+00:00
Leander Paes
India.com
Harshvardhan Rane on Ex-Girlfriend Kim Sharma Dating Leander Paes: They Are Hottest Couple in Town
India.com Entertainment Desk | July 15, 2021 1:27 PM IST
Harshvardhan Rane Speaks on Former GF Kim Sharma And Leander Paes' Love Affair
Harshvardhan Rane on Ex-Girlfriend Kim Sharma Dating Leander Paes: They Are Hottest Couple in Town
indiacom
2021-07-15T02:27:30+00:00
2021-07-15T02:27:30+00:00
Leander Paes
India.com
Kim Sharma and Leander Paes Dating? Their Cozy Pics While Holidaying in Goa go Viral
India.com Entertainment Desk | July 14, 2021 1:45 PM IST
Kim Sharma and Leander Paes' cozy photo has been shared by the restaurant in Goa where the tennis
Kim Sharma and Leander Paes Dating? Their Cozy Pics While Holidaying in Goa go Viral
indiacom
2021-07-14T02:45:03+00:00
2021-07-14T02:45:45+00:00
Leander Paes
India.com
Leander Paes Ready With His 'New Version' But Concerned About Tokyo Olympics Future
India.com Sports Desk | June 20, 2020 11:15 PM IST
Without a vaccine to tackle COVID-19, Paes said the future looks gloomy for the Olympics to go
Leander Paes Ready With His 'New Version' But Concerned About Tokyo Olympics Future
indiacom
2020-06-20T12:15:21+00:00
2020-06-20T13:39:36+00:00
Leander Paes
India.com
Happy Birthday, Leander Paes: 10 Interesting Facts You Should Know About The Legend
India.com Sports Desk | June 17, 2020 1:54 PM IST
The doubles specialist who began his career as a singles player is the most successful male player
Happy Birthday, Leander Paes: 10 Interesting Facts You Should Know About The Legend
indiacom
2020-06-17T02:54:12+00:00
2020-06-17T02:18:17+00:00
Leander Paes
India.com
If Tokyo Olympics Next Year Get Cancelled, Won't Wait For Paris 2024: Leander Paes
India.com Sports Desk | June 9, 2020 7:14 AM IST
Paes had announced in 2019 that 2020 will be his final year as a professional player but with the
If Tokyo Olympics Next Year Get Cancelled, Won't Wait For Paris 2024: Leander Paes
indiacom
2020-06-08T20:14:02+00:00
2020-06-08T20:02:15+00:00
Leander Paes
India.com
Leander Paes Aims For Eighth Olympics, Targets Record 100 Grand Slam Appearances
India.com Sports Desk | June 5, 2020 7:45 PM IST
Paes had announced that 2020 would be his last season as a professional player but his plan to bid
Leander Paes Aims For Eighth Olympics, Targets Record 100 Grand Slam Appearances
indiacom
2020-06-05T08:45:17+00:00
2020-06-05T08:57:35+00:00
Leander Paes
India.com
Coronavirus Lockdown: Leander Paes, Mahesh Bhupathi 'Team Up' For Frying Pan Challenge
India.com Sports Desk | April 13, 2020 10:56 AM IST
The pair won three Grand Slam titles together and also reached the top of the rankings in men's
Coronavirus Lockdown: Leander Paes, Mahesh Bhupathi 'Team Up' For Frying Pan Challenge
indiacom
2020-04-12T23:56:14+00:00
2020-04-12T23:55:19+00:00
Leander Paes
India.com
Leander Paes-Mahesh Bhupathi Witty Twitter Exchange Brings Back Nostalgia, Fans Ask For Reunion of Legendary Indian Duo Ahead of Tokyo Olympics
India.com Sports Desk | April 10, 2020 8:40 PM IST
Paes and Bhupathi enjoyed great success as a team with the Indian duo winning both the French Open
Leander Paes-Mahesh Bhupathi Witty Twitter Exchange Brings Back Nostalgia, Fans Ask For Reunion of Legendary
indiacom
2020-04-10T09:40:18+00:00
2020-04-10T09:40:18+00:00
Leander Paes
India.com
With Tokyo Olympics Postponed, Leander Paes Mulls Delaying Retirement
India.com Sports Desk | March 26, 2020 7:28 AM IST
In 2019, Paes had announced 2020 will be his farewell year as a pro tennis player during which he
With Tokyo Olympics Postponed, Leander Paes Mulls Delaying Retirement
indiacom
2020-03-25T20:28:35+00:00
2020-03-25T20:27:38+00:00
Leander Paes
India.com
Keep Telling Leander Paes, he Can Continue For One More Year: Vece Paes
India.com Sports Desk | March 14, 2020 7:26 PM IST
Terming it as "The Last Roar", Olympics bronze medallist Leander is in the last year of his
Keep Telling Leander Paes, he Can Continue For One More Year: Vece Paes
indiacom
2020-03-14T08:26:58+00:00
2020-03-14T08:26:58+00:00
Leander Paes
India.com
Davis Cup Qualifiers: India Lose 1-3 to Croatia After Sumit Nagal Crushed by Marin Cilic
PTI | March 8, 2020 8:02 AM IST
Nagal could win just one game in the match which the 2014 US Open Champion won 6-0, 6-1 in just 56
Davis Cup Qualifiers: India Lose 1-3 to Croatia After Sumit Nagal Crushed by Marin Cilic
indiacom
2020-03-07T21:02:26+00:00
2020-03-07T21:22:25+00:00
Leander Paes
India.com
Davis Cup: Leander Paes Named in India's Playing Squad For Croatia Tie, Divij Sharan Included as Reserve Member
India.com Sports Desk | February 25, 2020 7:51 PM IST
Sumit Nagal, Prajnesh Gunneswaran and Ramkumar Ramanathan are the singles players in the squad
Davis Cup: Leander Paes Named in India's Playing Squad For Croatia Tie, Divij Sharan Included as Reserve Memb
indiacom
2020-02-25T08:51:14+00:00
2020-02-25T08:51:14+00:00
Leander Paes
India.com
'Hard Work Helps us Succeed': Leander Paes During Farewell at KSLTA Stadium
India.com Sports Desk | February 16, 2020 9:27 PM IST
Gracing the occasion were former Olympians and sports internationals and athletes who began their
'Hard Work Helps us Succeed': Leander Paes During Farewell at KSLTA Stadium
indiacom
2020-02-16T10:27:43+00:00
2020-02-16T10:27:59+00:00
Leander Paes
India.com
We Went on to Achieve Some Great Things: Leander Paes on His Doubles Success With Mahesh Bhupathi
India.com Sports Desk | February 16, 2020 8:56 AM IST
Paes and Bhupathi, in the 1990s, formed a formidable team with both becoming the No. 1 ranked
We Went on to Achieve Some Great Things: Leander Paes on His Doubles Success With Mahesh Bhupathi
indiacom
2020-02-15T21:56:15+00:00
2020-02-15T21:55:46+00:00
Leander Paes
India.com
Leander Paes is Playing Well, Should Continue as Long as he Can: Mahesh Bhupathi
India.com Sports Desk | February 15, 2020 10:55 PM IST
Recently, Leander Paes finished runners-up at the Bengaluru Open in men's doubles.
Leander Paes is Playing Well, Should Continue as Long as he Can: Mahesh Bhupathi
indiacom
2020-02-15T11:55:09+00:00
2020-02-15T11:39:37+00:00
Leander Paes
India.com