Tennis API

Top 10 Famous Tennis Players in India

July 18, 2025

8 min read

India’s tennis scene has produced some extraordinary talents who have made their mark on courts worldwide. From Grand Slam champions to Olympic medallists, these famous tennis players have put Indian tennis on the global map and inspired countless young athletes to pick up a racquet.

Remarkable achievements and how they’ve shaped the sport’s landscape in the country. Whether you’re a tennis enthusiast, a developer exploring Tennis API integrations, or simply curious about India’s sporting legends.

You’ll discover the stories behind these incredible athletes who’ve represented their nation with pride, both as individuals and as part of India’s famous tennis teams, such as in the Davis Cup and Olympic events.

Top 10 Famous Tennis Players in India have stood out through their remarkable performances, setting new standards for excellence. Their hard work, dedication, and passion for the game have inspired a new generation of players and brought global attention to Indian tennis like never before.

How Tennis Is Growing in India

Tennis in India has experienced remarkable growth over the past few decades. The sport has evolved from being an elite pastime to a mainstream athletic pursuit, thanks largely to the success of Indian players on international stages. Television coverage of major tournaments, improved infrastructure, reliable Tennis Data API access, and government support have all contributed to this expansion.

The establishment of tennis academies across the country, along with increased corporate sponsorship, has created more opportunities for young talent to develop their skills. Cities like Bangalore, Chennai, and Delhi have become tennis hubs, producing the next generation of players who aspire to follow in the footsteps of their heroes.

10 Famous Tennis Players in India

These 10 famous tennis players from India have achieved great success through hard work and talent. They’ve represented the nation with pride in major tournaments around the world.

1. Leander Paes

Leander Paes stands as one of the most famous tennis players in Indian history. Born in 1973, this legendary player has achieved what many consider impossible – competing at the highest level for over two decades. Paes holds the record for the most Grand Slam titles by an Indian player, with 18 doubles and mixed doubles championships.

His career highlights include winning the bronze medal at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, making him the first Indian to win an individual Olympic medal in tennis. Paes formed successful partnerships with players like Mahesh Bhupathi and Martina Hingis, creating some of tennis’s most memorable doubles teams.

2. Mahesh Bhupathi

Mahesh Bhupathi, born in 1974, revolutionised Indian tennis alongside his famous partner Leander Paes. Known for his powerful serves and strategic gameplay, Bhupathi became the first Indian to win a Grand Slam title when he claimed the French Open mixed doubles championship in 1997.

Throughout his career, Bhupathi won 12 Grand Slam titles and reached the world No. 1 ranking in doubles. His partnership with Paes dominated the tennis world in the late 1990s and early 2000s, earning them the nickname “Indian Express.” This famous tennis team brought unprecedented attention to Indian tennis.

3. Ramanathan Krishnan

Ramanathan Krishnan, born in 1937, was one of India’s earliest tennis superstars. He achieved remarkable success during the 1960s, reaching the Wimbledon semi-finals twice (1960 and 1961) – a feat that remained unmatched by any Indian male player for decades.

Krishnan’s elegant playing style and gentlemanly conduct on court made him a beloved figure in international tennis. He represented India in the Davis Cup for many years and was instrumental in establishing tennis as a respected sport in the country.

4. Sania Mirza

Sania Mirza, born in 1986, broke barriers as India’s most successful female tennis player. She became the first Indian woman to win a Grand Slam title, claiming the Wimbledon mixed doubles championship in 2009. Mirza’s aggressive playing style and fearless attitude changed perceptions about women’s tennis in India.

Her achievements include six Grand Slam titles and reaching the world No. 1 ranking in doubles. As one of India’s most famous tennis players, Mirza’s success inspired countless young girls to take up tennis, significantly contributing to the sport’s growth in the country.

5. Vijay Amritraj

Vijay Amritraj, born in 1953, was India’s first global tennis ambassador. He reached the Wimbledon quarter-finals twice and the US Open quarter-finals once during his career. Amritraj’s smooth playing style and articulate personality made him a popular figure both on and off the court.

Beyond his playing career, Amritraj became a successful tennis commentator and even appeared in Hollywood films. His contributions to promoting tennis in India and globally have been invaluable.

6. Rohan Bopanna

Rohan Bopanna, born in 1980, represents the current generation of successful Indian tennis players. Known for his powerful serve and net play, Bopanna has won multiple ATP titles and reached Grand Slam finals. His consistency and professionalism have made him a respected figure on the international circuit.

Bopanna’s longevity in professional tennis demonstrates the evolution of Indian players’ fitness and preparation standards. He continues to compete at the highest level well into his 40s.

7. Somdev Devvarman

Somdev Devvarman, born in 1985, achieved significant success in both college and professional tennis. He became the first Indian to win the NCAA singles championship in 2007 and later transitioned to professional tennis with considerable success.

Devvarman reached a career-high singles ranking of 62 and represented India in the Davis Cup. His journey from college tennis to professional success inspired many young Indian players to consider similar pathways.

8. S D Prajwal Dev

S D Prajwal Dev is an emerging Indian tennis player known for his commitment and growing presence on the professional circuit. Born in Karnataka, he has been steadily climbing the ATP rankings through consistent performances in ITF and Challenger tournaments.

Prajwal has represented India in various international events and is recognized for his strong baseline game and powerful serves. As part of the next generation of Indian tennis talent, he continues to train and compete with the aim of breaking into the top tier of global tennis.

His journey reflects the determination of many young Indian athletes aiming to make a mark on the world stage. With better infrastructure, coaching, and exposure, S D Prajwal Dev is one to watch in the future of Indian tennis.

9. Vishnu Vardhan

Vishnu Vardhan, born in 1987, has been a consistent performer in Indian tennis. He achieved his career-high singles ranking of 264 and won multiple ITF titles. Vardhan’s dedication to the sport and consistent performance have made him a respected figure in Indian tennis circles.

His participation in Davis Cup matches and domestic tournaments has contributed significantly to the depth of Indian tennis talent.

10. Ankita Raina

Ankita Raina, born in 1993, stands as one of India’s most promising female tennis players. She has won multiple ITF titles and represents the future of women’s tennis in India. Raina’s consistent performance and professional approach have earned her recognition as a rising star.

Her success in both singles and doubles formats demonstrates the versatility that characterises modern Indian tennis players.

Achievements of Indian Tennis Players on the Global Stage

Indian tennis players have accumulated impressive achievements on the international stage. The country has produced 31 Grand Slam champions across various categories, with the most famous tennis players contributing significantly to this tally.

The Davis Cup has been particularly important for Indian tennis, with the team reaching the finals in 1966, 1974, and 1987. These performances biggest tennis tournaments showcased the depth of Indian tennis talent and helped establish the country as a competitive force in international competitions.

Olympic participation has also been notable, with multiple Indian players representing the country across different Games. Leander Paes’s bronze medal remains a historic achievement that inspired generations of Indian athletes.

Today, with the rise of digital platforms and sports tech, access to accurate match insights and player statistics through sports data API — including specialized Tennis Live API — plays a key role in tracking performance, fan engagement, and real-time tournament updates.

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Conclusion

The success of these famous tennis players has created a lasting impact on Indian sports culture. Their achievements have not only brought glory to the nation but also established tennis as a viable career option for young athletes. The infrastructure developed around their success continues to benefit aspiring players across the country.

Current Indian tennis players carry forward this legacy, with new talents emerging regularly from various parts of the country. The foundation laid by these tennis legends ensures that India’s presence in international tennis will continue to grow stronger.

With the growing popularity of digital platforms and tennis-based fantasy games, the use of a fantasy sports API allows developers and fans to access real-time tennis stats, player performance, and match updates, making the fan experience more interactive and data-driven.

Tennis academies, coaching programmes, and sponsorship opportunities have all expanded thanks to the visibility these players brought to the sport. Their success stories serve as motivation for countless young Indians who dream of representing their country on the world’s biggest tennis stages. In today’s digital age, tools like a tennis live API also help fans, coaches, and platforms access real-time match updates and player stats, making the sport more engaging and data-driven for everyone involved.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Who is the most successful tennis player in India?

Leander Paes is considered the most successful Indian tennis player, with 18 Grand Slam titles and an Olympic bronze medal in singles.

2. Has any Indian tennis player won a Grand Slam?

Yes, Indian players like Leander Paes, Mahesh Bhupathi, and Sania Mirza have all won multiple Grand Slam titles in doubles and mixed doubles categories.

3. Who is the best female tennis player in India?

Sania Mirza is the most accomplished female tennis player from India, with six Grand Slam titles and a former World No. 1 ranking in doubles.

4. How many Indian tennis players have played in the Olympics?

Several Indian players have represented the country at the Olympics, including Leander Paes, Sania Mirza, Rohan Bopanna, Mahesh Bhupathi, and Sumit Nagal.

5. Who are some rising stars in Indian tennis today?

Promising Indian tennis players include Sumit Nagal, Karman Kaur Thandi, and Sahaja Yamalapalli, who are steadily climbing ATP and WTA rankings.