18-time Grand Slam champion Leander Paes has announced his retirement from professional tennis and the year 2020 will be his last season. Paes publicized this retirement via a Christmas message to his fans.

His message

“I want to announce 2020 as my farewell year as a pro tennis player,” Paes wrote. “Firstly, I want to thank my parents for their genetics, guidance, discipline, the 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,” he added.

Atlanta Olympics bronze medalist 

The doubles Career Slam champion Leander Paes is not just an ace on the doubles circuit, he is also a champ on the singles tour. His bronze medal victory at the Atlanta Olympics 1996 had put India on the map. The eight-time Grand Slam champion Andre Agassi had clinched the gold medal that year. Leander’s Olympic medal was the defining moment in Indian sport. 

“I am looking forward to the 2020 tennis calendar where I will be playing a few select tournaments, traveling with my team 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. 2020 is going to be an emotional one and I look forward to seeing all of you out there roaring with me,” Paes added.

Throughout his 28-year-long illustrious service to the ATP Tour, the former doubles World Number one Paes amassed a record for the most Davis Cup doubles wins with 43 victories. At present, he is ranked 105 in the world on ATP doubles scale. This year Paes reached the finals at Ilkley Trophy and he was also in tandem with France’s Benoit Paire.

Bryan brothers’ retirement

A few weeks ago the doubles specialists, Bryan brothers also announced their retirement from professional tennis. Mike and Bob Bryan will be hanging their racquets at US Open 2020.

Read More –Mike Bryan and Bob Bryan Announce Retirement From Tennis

Tribute to Paes