5 greatest tennis doubles pairs of all time

Leander Paes – Mahesh Bhupathi

The pair have had a tumultuous relationship over the years, but have allegedly attempted to patch up

Considered the 'first pair’ in the sport in India, Leander Paes and Mahesh Bhupathi were almost singularly responsible for truly putting India on the map when it came to tennis. The pair saw an illustrious partnership, becoming the top-ranked doubles players in the world – the first time an Indian pair had achieved the feat.

The pair could be regarded as truly putting Indian tennis on the map, and after coming together in 1997, had unprecedented success. Although they won only three Majors together (in itself not a small feat), they made six finals – giving them a 50% success rate at Majors finals.

Together, they won a number of titles on the Tour and had success on every surface, partnering each other until 2002, and then reuniting for a brief spell in 2011.

Their relationship has over the years been fraught with controversy and tension, and it has widely been reported that the two no longer communicate despite having been close friends.

Despite this, it emerged Paes sought to partner Bhupathi at the 2012 London Olympics, but was unable to do so.

These days, Bhupathi has been busy with sports management and his baby, the International Premier Tennis League, while Paes is still successful on the tennis court, more so in the mixed doubles – at 43, Paes has continued to win Majors with former World No. 1 Martina Hingis.