This announcement was made on Tuesday during the Wimbledon Championships, with ATF president Yuryi Polskiy, along with senior officials, players, and various members of the international tennis community present.
A celebrated figure in tennis history, Paes has had a professional career that spans over thirty years.
He earned an Olympic bronze medal at the 1996 Atlanta Games and secured 18 Grand Slam titles—eight in men’s doubles and ten in mixed doubles—while achieving a career Grand Slam in both categories.
A former world No. 1 in doubles and recipient of the Davis Cup Commitment Award, Paes is regarded as one of Asia’s top tennis ambassadors and a prominent figure in Indian sports.
In his role as Player Ambassador, Paes will collaborate with the ATF to promote tennis throughout Asia, mentor emerging players, support grassroots development initiatives, and represent the federation at key international events.
This appointment aligns with ATF’s efforts to enhance opportunities for players in Asia via a comprehensive schedule of junior, professional, and wheelchair tournaments, as well as coach and official education programs, high-performance initiatives, and development projects designed to fortify national federations and boost participation in the sport.
ATF anticipates that this partnership will bolster its mission to cultivate more world-class Asian players while inspiring millions of aspiring athletes across the continent.
Paes, who was inducted into the ‘International Tennis Hall of Fame’ in 2024, expressed, “It is an honor to join the Asian Tennis Federation as Player Ambassador. Asia possesses extraordinary talent, enthusiasm, and potential, and I am eager to give back to the sport that has given me so much.
“Along with the ATF, I hope to motivate young players to set lofty goals, put in hard work, and believe they can compete at the highest levels globally. Our collective mission will be to develop tennis at the grassroots and pave the way for excellence.” ATF president Polskiy remarked: “Leander Paes is one of the greatest champions our continent has ever seen. His accomplishments, professionalism, and dedication to the sport make him the perfect ambassador for Asian tennis. His experience and leadership will be critical as we work to enhance our development programs and inspire the next generation of players throughout Asia.”
