Leander Paes has served up many aces in his career. But on Christmas Day on Wednesday, he stumped his fans — and the tennis world at large — with a social media announcement, saying 2020 will be his last year as a professional tennis player.
“Merry Christmas everyone! Here’s wishing all of you and your families a fabulous year ahead filled with health, happiness and excitement. This being said, I want to announce 2020 as my farewell year as a pro tennis player,” read his Facebook post, shared on his Twitter handle.
A visual accompanying the post showed Leander with various trophies, and an image of his Olympic bronze medal, with the banner “One Last Roar”.
“Firstly, I want to thank my parents for their genetics, guidance, discipline, environment they created and unconditional love they have always shown me throughout my life. I would not be who I am without your unstinting support and belief in me. I love you,” he wrote. He also thanked his sisters Jacquie and Maria.
“I want to thank my daughter Aiyana, for teaching me that the most beautiful thing in the world is to have a daughter. You are my inspiration. Papa loves you.”
Born to Olympian parents Dr Vece Paes and Jennifer, Leander remains the only Indian to win an Olympic medal in tennis — a bronze at the 1996 Atlanta Games.
He competed in consecutive Olympics from 1992 to 2016, becoming the first Indian and only tennis player to compete at seven Games. He is a former Davis Cup team captain, and holds the record for the most Davis Cup doubles wins with 44 victories. He has 18 Grand Slam titles.
He also outlined his plans for 2020, stating: “I am looking forward to the 2020 tennis calendar where I will be playing a few select tournaments... 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.
“I would love to hear your favourite ‘Leander memories’ over the years using #OneLastRoar tagging me and I will be sharing mine too throughout the course of the year.”
Before signing off he wrote: “It’s been an honour being your Lion Heart.”
Former Davis Cup coach Akhtar Ali, who has known Leander since his early days, said: “Leander has chosen the right time for announcing this. What he has done for Indian tennis is unbelievable.”
According to someone close to the icon, “Leander has his heart set on playing the Tokyo Olympics. But after that he wants to look at life beyond tennis.”
