Mahesh Bhupathi
Mahesh Shrinivas Bhupathi (born
June 7,
1974,
Madras,
India) is a professional
tennis player from India. He turned professional in
1995. In
2001, he was awarded the
Padma Shri. He currently resides in
Bangalore and is among the best doubles tennis players in the world with 10 grand slam titles to his credit including mixed doubles. He is 6ft. 1in tall.
In
1999, Bhupathi won three doubles titles with
Leander Paes including
Roland Garros and
Wimbledon. He and Leander became the first doubles team to reach finals of all four
Grand Slams, the first time such a feat has been achieved in the Open era and the first time since
1952. On
April 26 that year, they became the World No. 1 doubles team. Bhupathi also won the
US Open mixed doubles with
Ai Sugiyama of
Japan.
Bhupathi teamed with
Martina Hingis in the mixed doubles competition. Entering the tournament unseeded, the first-time pair defeated four seeded opponents along the way, while only dropping a single set throughout. Bhupathi and Hingis defeated the sixth-seeded team of
Daniel Nestor (CAN) and
Elena Likhovtseva (RUS) in straight sets, 6-3 6-3, to capture the championship. It was the sixth mixed doubles Grand Slam for Bhupathi, and a first for Hingis. By winning Australian Open, Bhupathi completed a career Grand Slam in mixed doubles.
MEN'S DOUBLES
Year Championship Partner 1999 French Open Leander Paes (IND)
1999 Wimbledon Leander Paes (IND)
2001 French Open Leander Paes (IND)
2002 US Open Max Mirnyi (BLR)
MIXED DOUBLES
Year Championship Partner 1997 French Open Rika Hiraki (JPN)
1999 US Open Ai Sugiyama (JPN)
2002 Wimbledon Elena Likhovtseva (RUS)
2005 Wimbledon Mary Pierce (FRA)
2005 US Open Daniela Hantuchova (SVK).
2006 Australian Open Martina Hingis (SUI)
Mahesh Bhupathi has also been involved in developing tennis facilities in India and along with his company Globosport he has played in a key role in developing and managing the careers of many Indian athletes including the new Indian tennis star,
Sania Mirza.
*
Profile at www.ATPtennis.com*
Mahesh Bhupathi Fan Site
