Tennis is popular in Pune. The game has a rich history in the city, with several top tennis players hailing from Pune.
The roots of tennis in Pune can be traced back to the early 1900s when the sport was introduced by the British. The first tennis club in Pune, the Deccan Gymkhana, was established in 1906 and is still in existence today. Tennis courts were also built in other parts of the city, leading to an increase in the popularity of the sport.
Over the years, Pune has produced several top tennis players who have made a mark in the national and international tennis scene. Some of the notable players include Leander Paes, Mahesh Bhupathi, and Rohan Bopanna.
Leander Paes, who was born in Kolkata but grew up in Pune, is one of the most successful Indian tennis players of all time. He has won several Grand Slam titles in doubles and mixed doubles, including the Wimbledon and French Open titles. He has also won a bronze medal at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics and a bronze medal at the 2016 Rio Olympics.
The first tennis club in Pune, the Deccan Gymkhana, was established in 1906 and is still in existence today.
Mahesh Bhupathi, who also hails from Pune, is another highly successful Indian tennis player. He has won 12 Grand Slam titles in doubles and mixed doubles and has been ranked world number one in both disciplines. He has also won a gold medal at the 2006 Doha Asian Games and a silver medal at the 2002 Busan Asian Games.
Rohan Bopanna, who was born in Bangalore but grew up in Pune, is another top Indian tennis player. He has won several ATP titles in doubles and reached the quarterfinals of the Wimbledon and US Open in doubles. He has also won a gold medal at the 2018 Jakarta Asian Games and a silver medal at the 2010 Guangzhou Asian Games.
Apart from these top players, Pune has also produced several other talented players who have represented India in various international tournaments. The city has several tennis academies and clubs that provide training to young players, helping them to hone their skills and realize their potential.
The city of Pune continues to produce talented tennis players who are making a mark in the national and international tennis scene. With its rich history and legacy in the sport, Pune is truly a tennis hub in India.
Tennis enthusiasts can visit the various tennis courts and clubs in the city to witness the sport in action and even play a game or two themselves.