He might be 46 years old now, but if you step on the court with him, he will ooze class and beat you hands down. An Olympic bronze medal, 18 Grand Slam titles in doubles and mixed doubles, and multiple other career titles, Leander Paes has had a remarkable career.?
Humble and full of humility, Paes has been a customary self of great grace throughout his almost three decade career. It has had its fair share of glory and agony, although there have been more triumphs than heartbreaks.?
Indian tennis legend?Leander Paes has now announced that the 2020 season will be his last season on the Tour. Paes, who turned professional in 1991, is set to retire after almost three decades of playing tennis at the highest level.??
Paes, a former doubles world No. 1, has won eight Grand Slam titles in doubles and 10 more in mixed doubles throughout his career. Also, the Indian owns a prestigious Career Grand Slam in doubles and mixed doubles, having won at least one men's doubles and mixed doubles title at each Grand Slam.?
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He took to Instagram to announce his decision:?
"This being said, I want to announce 2020 as my farewell year as a pro tennis player," Paes wrote. "I am looking forward to the 2020 tennis calendar where I will be playing a few select tournaments, traveling with my team and celebrating with all my friends and fans around the world.
It is all of you who have inspired me to become me and I want to take this year to say “Thank you” to you." Paes admits it will be hard for him to keep his emotions when he steps on the court in 2020. "2020 is going to be an emotional one and I look forward to seeing all of you out there roaring with me," Paes admitted.
The Twitter was quick to react and pay respects to the legend.??
A career that has known greatness and served as a true ambassador for Tennis and India alike, it is going to be an emotional and historic moment when Paes calls it time. For now, we enjoy the exemplary man he is.?