Among many extraordinary friendships created in tennis, Chris Evert and Martina Navratilova‘s relationship remains strong. Despite facing off against each other 80 times on court, they have stood beside each other through thick and thin. Evert also maintained her bond with the former Czech-American WTA star with a deep gratitude for the latter’s caring attitude. Now that Navratilova dons a special role at Paes’ induction to the Hall of Fame, Evert complimented her long-time friend for her way with words.

Paes was introduced with a warm welcome in the tennis Hall of Fame by his former mixed doubles partner Martina Navratilova. Navratilova offered the Indian former ATP star a great speech, “It is truly a privilege and I am happy that not just one man from but two men from India won this award. First two Asian men to do this, better late than later but wow!” 

Navratilova’s speech delighted her friend and another Hall of Fame winner in tennis, Chris Evert. She came forward to praise Navratilova’s words and as she said, “great speech; you go girl!”

Navratilova spoke about Paes’ legacy in tennis and his extraordinary career in the sport. She said, “He was an artist on the court, an amazing athlete, a virtuoso, He wielded the tennis racquet like an orchestra conductor wield the baton. Leander, it was truly my honor to play against you. I enjoyed it a lot more when I played with you. You have done your family proud, you have done our sport proud and most of all you have done India proud.” 

Now, Evert who was inducted into this prestigious honor in 1995, could not miss the ceremony and later retweeted Tennis Channel’s photo of them clicking a group photo together with Paes, Amritraj, Agassi, Evert, and others. “What a fantastic weekend! A big Congratulations to three wonderful men who deserve this prestigious honor. Vijay, Leander and Richard… @Leander @Ringham7 @TennisHalloFame,” Evert captioned her tweet.

Evert’s compliment for Navratilova was as well-deserving as the former Czech-American star’s remarkable speech. It not only highlighted Paes’ brilliant career but also showed how much his partner admired his playstyle. Present at the event with a big smile, Leander Paes expressed his utmost delight in hearing so many compliments from his former mixed doubles partner.

Paes calls it his “greatest honor” to be inducted into the Hall of Fame with other talented tennis players

This former Indian ATP star seemed very happy about receiving such a prestigious recognition and it reflected in his speech. “It is my greatest honour to be on this stage with not only these legends of the game, [but] people who have inspired me every single day of my life, Not because you have won Grand Slams, not because you have shaped the world of our sport. But every single one of these people has shaped the world that we live in. I would like to thank you so much for giving this Indian boy hope,” said Paes.

His statement presented the humble side of this talented former tennis player. Despite receiving such amazing compliments from  Navratilova, Paes’ beautiful smile could tell how happy he was. The former doubles number 1 will not only be remembered for his unimaginably great doubles and mixed doubles career but he will be admired by many Indian youngsters trying to pursue their luck in tennis.