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Mahesh BhupathiIndian professional tennis player
Date of Birth: 07.06.1974
Country:  India |
Content:
- Mahesh Bhupathi: Indian Professional Tennis Player
- Early Career
- Successful Partnership with Paes
- Individual Achievements
- Recognition and Awards
Mahesh Bhupathi: Indian Professional Tennis Player
Mahesh Bhupathi is an Indian professional tennis player specializing in doubles. He is a four-time winner of Grand Slam tournaments in men's doubles and a seven-time winner in mixed doubles (the holder of a "career" Grand Slam in mixed doubles - winning all four tournaments). He has also reached the finals of Grand Slam tournaments four times and the ATP World Tour Finals three times in men's doubles, as well as three times in mixed doubles.
Early Career
Bhupathi won his first ATP Tour tournament in 1997 in his hometown, partnering with fellow Indian tennis player Leander Paes. The duo went on to win 23 tournaments together, while Bhupathi also won 20 tournaments in men's doubles with other partners. In the same year, Bhupathi became the first Indian tennis player to win a Grand Slam tournament. He won the French Open in the mixed doubles category with Japanese player Rika Hiraki. He also won his first three Grand Slam tournaments in men's doubles with Paes.
Successful Partnership with Paes
In 1999, Bhupathi and Paes reached the finals of all four Grand Slam tournaments, making them the first pair in the "Open Era" to achieve this feat. They continued to have a successful partnership, winning multiple titles together and representing India in the Olympics. Bhupathi and Paes won the Asian Games in men's doubles twice (in 2002 and 2006).
Individual Achievements
In 2006, Bhupathi completed his "career" Grand Slam in mixed doubles by winning the Australian Open with Martina Hingis. He has also represented India in the Davis Cup since the beginning of his professional career, playing 51 matches for the team. Bhupathi graduated from the University of Mississippi in the United States, where he won the US Collegiate Championship in men's doubles in 1995.
Recognition and Awards
In 2001, Bhupathi and Paes were honored with the prestigious Padma Shri award in India in recognition of their contributions to the country.
