VIJAY AMRITRAJ

Born in Chennai, Vijay Amritraj was, for over two decades, one of the most illustrious tennis players in India and topped the Asian charts for 14 consecutive years. Known today for his exceptional sports commentary, Vijay is one of the greatest tennis legends  in the country.

A sportsperson of great repute, his achievements form a benchmark for any player today. He played at Wimbledon for 17 straight years and made it to the quarterfinals in 1973 and 1981. He was again a quarter finalist in the 1973 and 1974 U.S. Open Tournaments. He has also led India to the 1974 and 1987 Davis Cup Finals.

In his tennis playing days, he creamed stalwarts like Bjorn Borg, Jimmy Connors, Ivan Lendl, John McEnroe, Newcombe and Smith. To nurture and develop young talent in tennis, he founded the Britannia Amritraj Tennis Academy in Chennai. He has been five-time President of the ATP Tour Players Council.

He is the only Indian to have received the Baron Pierre de Coubertin Award. He is also the recipient of the Padmashri Award from the Government of India and the Key to the City of Los Angeles. Vijay is also a leading tennis commentator for Fox Sports in the United States and Star Sports in Asia. His multimedia company, First Serve Entertainment deals with Asian- American Content and has helped Disney, Turner and ESPN enter the Indian Market.

While most know him for his on-court action, not many know that Vijay has dabbled in some on-screen action as well. (Remember the James Bond film - Octopussy).

RAMESH KRISHNAN

Eight singles titles, one doubles titles and career prize money totalling $1,263,130 over one and a half decades on Tennis courts. That deserves more than a mention. But this hardly seems surprising, considering the illustrious achievements of his father Ramanathan Krishnan.

Inspired by his father, this genial and soft-spoken gentleman has kept the Indian flag flying high with his motivated performances in the Davis Cup not only as a player but also in his present status as the Indian team’s non-playing captain. He may not be equipped with the fastest serve in the world or the fastest moves on the tennis court, but his lionhearted approach won him both accolades and titles.

One of Ramesh Krishnan's most memorable triumphs was in the Davis Cup quarterfinals against France in 1993. It was the fag end of his career and he signed off in style. He won the crucial doubles match in the company of the then inexperienced Leander Paes and turned the tie in India's favour.

He is presently running a Tennis academy in Chennai set up on the lines of similar institutions in the United States. He helps youngsters who are inspired by the Leanders and Bhupathis of today, to realize potential and make dreams come true.

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