Indian tennis player and coach who won several international titles, including the 1986 Wimbledon and 1987 French Open junior singles championships, and later coached top players like Leander Paes.
Ramesh Krishnan is widely regarded as one of India's most successful tennis players, known for his impressive junior career, Grand Slam exploits, and contributions to the Indian Davis Cup team. With a remarkable career spanning over two decades, Krishnan has etched his name in the annals of Indian tennis history.
Krishnan's junior years were a testament to his budding talent. He won the singles titles at both Wimbledon and the French Open in 1979, achieving the rare feat of a "Junior Channel Slam." This outstanding achievement catapulted him to the top of the junior rankings, earning him the No. 1 junior player in the world title.
At the senior level, Krishnan reached the quarterfinals at Wimbledon in 1986 and the US Open twice, in 1981 and 1987. Although he lacked a dominant stroke or a powerful serve, his exceptional touch, anticipation, and all-around game made him a formidable opponent. He was an integral part of the Indian team that reached the Davis Cup final in 1987, where they narrowly lost to Sweden.
In 2007, Krishnan took on the role of India's Davis Cup captain, guiding the next generation of Indian tennis players. His experience and insights have been invaluable in shaping the country's tennis landscape. He has also been instrumental in nurturing young talent, inspiring a new crop of players to follow in his footsteps.
Krishnan's impressive career has been recognized with several awards and honors. He was awarded the Arjuna Award in 1981, one of India's highest sporting honors. In 2007, he was conferred the Padma Shri, the country's fourth-highest civilian award, for his contributions to tennis.
Krishnan's journey has been marked by significant personal milestones. Born on June 5, 1961, in Madras, India, he was destined to follow in his father's footsteps. Ramanathan Krishnan, his father, had reached the Wimbledon semifinals twice in the 1960s. Ramesh emulated his father's achievement by winning the Wimbledon junior title in 1979.
Krishnan's impact on Indian tennis extends beyond his playing career. He has been an inspiration to generations of tennis players, motivating them to strive for excellence. His contributions to the Davis Cup team and his leadership as captain have helped India maintain a credible presence in international tennis.
Ramesh Krishnan's remarkable career serves as a beacon of inspiration for Indian tennis players. His achievements have paved the way for others to follow, and his contributions to the sport continue to be felt. As India's tennis landscape evolves, Krishnan's legacy will remain an integral part of the country's tennis heritage.
72 Years Old
Indian tennis player and sportscaster who won 16 singles titles and was a commentator for ESPN and BBC, known for his charismatic on-court presence and insightful commentary.
53 Years Old
A tennis legend who won 18 Grand Slam titles, including eight men's doubles and ten mixed doubles, with a record of 42 consecutive Davis Cup wins.
39 Years Old
India's most successful female tennis player, winning six Grand Slam titles and becoming the first Indian to achieve a world No. 1 ranking in doubles. She's a trailblazer for women's tennis in India.
41 Years Old
Indian tennis player who won multiple NCAA singles titles and represented India in the Davis Cup, known for his exceptional skills on the court.
