What I’ve Learnt: Leander Paes

WHEN I WAS GROWING UP the greatest lesson I learnt from my parents was about human equity. How to be loyal, how to be unconditionally supportive of people, how to take the time to understand people.

SPORTS RUNS IN THE FAMILY. So, growing up, I played every sport: track and field, hockey, football, cricket, swimming and boxing.

GOING TO THE OLYMPICS requires a tremendous amount of single-minded focus. I always wanted to get to the Olympics more than I wanted to be at Wimbledon or win a Grand Slam. It was always about representing India and winning a medal.

A TENNIS PLAYER THAT REALLY INSPIRED ME was Rod Laver. I got to know him really, really, well. His track record, his history, is just legendary.

INDIAN TENNIS NEEDS to have a very professional scientific system, especially in the grassroots. I feel that sport is the best vehicle to move the GDP of a nation, to unite a nation, regardless of religion, caste, language or dialect.

THE PHYSICAL EFFORT IT TAKES to win 20 Grand Slams and play over 100 Grand Slams is tough on the body. Both my heel bones, toes are broken. But I have never had one sports surgery.

BEING INDUCTED INTO THE HALL OF FAME was a feeling of life coming full circle. It was such a blessing to be recognised by your own peers.

THE LOWEST EBB OF MY LIFE was being diagnosed with neurocysticercosis in 2003. When I came out of the cancer hospital (in Orlando, Florida, where he was being treated), I was told that I would never grow my hair back, never play tennis again and I wouldn't have children. But I guess I did all three.

FATHERHOOD IS the most beautiful thing I’ve done in the world. It’s one of the best relationships I’ve ever had. It’s the greatest honour for me that my daughter has chosen tennis as a vehicle to live her life.

BEING ON THE OTHER SIDE OF 50 feels phenomenal. The discipline that tennis has given me has been great. Age shows more on your physicality than it shows anywhere else. The quality of life is where I think the magic’s at.

I AM OBSESSED WITH photography. I’ve studied it. My favourite bits are wildlife photography. The other cool one is that I’ve got pictures of different airports over 45 years.

I’VE SPLURGED ON a crazy collection of watches. I used watches to take the edge off the pressure of winning Grand Slams. It’s cool to have a piece of jewellery that speaks of your history.

ANOTHER SPORT THAT EXCITES ME BEYOND TENNIS is football—and golf. I love Johan Cruyff’s total football philosophy.

PEOPLE DON’T REALLY KNOW THAT I was a bit of an introvert and a shy guy when I was young. I had to come out of my shell because I was the only Indian on a professional tennis circuit.

I AM REALLY FOCUSED RIGHT NOW on my company Flying Man Ventures. The most important vertical is to empower youth across India and the world through sports education.

THE FIRST THING I DO WHEN I WAKE UP IS thank god for the life I’ve got.

To read more such stories from Esquire India's July 2025 issue, pick up a copy of the magazine from your nearest newspaper stand or bookstore. Or click here to subscribe to the magazine.