Player, Humanitarian, Ambassador: Vijay Amritraj honored with 2021 Golden Achievement Award

WATCH: Prakash Amritraj interviews his father, Vijay, at the Taj 51 Buckingham Gate Suites and Residences in London.

There will be much discussion of past Wimbledon champions over the next two weeks, from the returning Serena Williams to the absent Roger Federer to the three-time defending titlist Novak Djokovic and beyond. Though still actively competing, the impacts that these three icons have left on the sport are already significant.

While Vijay Amritraj never won Wimbledon—he’s a two-time singles quarterfinalist there, however, as well as a former doubles semifinalist—his impact on tennis remains in line with some of the sport’s grandest champions. Amritraj’s resume includes the following:

• The first Indian player to turn professional on the ATP Tour
• The highest-ranked ATP singles player from India in ATP history (No. 16)
• He won the most titles by an Asian singles player (15) during his career

As a player, humanitarian, and ambassador, Vijay has put his passion for tennis and people into action to make a difference in growing the sport and helping those in need. Todd Martin, CEO of International Tennis Hall of Fame

But it’s Amritraj’s work off the court that is even more impressive. Consider the following:

• He played a key role in diplomacy ahead of India’s World Group tie against Israel in 1987, using tennis to promote international unity
• He helped establish the Britannia Amritraj Tennis Academy, which focuses on the youth tennis development in India. The academy has produced several successful tennis players, including doubles standout Leander Paes
• From 1989-93, Amritraj was selected by his peers as President of the ATP Player Council and he served as an ATP Board Member from 1991-97
• After retiring, Amritraj has remained committed to humanitarian efforts through his role as United Nations Messenger of Peace (2001-06) and through The Vijay Amritraj Foundation. Founded in 2006, the foundation’s mission is to bring hope, help and healing to the defenseless and innocent victims of disease, tragedy and circumstance in India

Combine Amritraj’s landmark achievements both on and off the court, and it was an easy decision to award him the 2021 Golden Achievement Award. The annual honor from the International Tennis Hall of Fame is given “to a person who has made important contributions internationally to tennis in the fields of administration, promotion, or education and has devoted long and outstanding service to the sport.”

There can be no doubt that the 68-year-old fits that esteemed bill.

“I’m humbled to receive this incredible award from the International Tennis Hall of Fame and the International Tennis Federation for my life’s journey in a sport that I’ve loved all my life,” said Amritraj. “This honor is really something I’m receiving on behalf of every Indian who has supported me over the years.

“I’ve had the privilege of representing India on the world’s stage in our sport. I hope it is inspiring for more players from India to come out and hit the international stage.”

Amritraj inspired countless players from India, but his work and devotion extended to the entire tennis—no, world—community.

“For five decades, Vijay Amritraj has competed valiantly, opened doors and spread goodwill through tennis. We are honored to join the International Tennis Federation in recognizing his immense contributions around the world,” said Todd Martin, CEO of the International Tennis Hall of Fame. “As a player, humanitarian, and ambassador, Vijay has put his passion for tennis and people into action to make a difference in growing the sport and helping those in need. He is a profoundly deserving recipient of the Golden Achievement Award.”