Here’s a closer look at Ramanathan Krishnan, one of India’s tennis legends:

Ramanathan Krishnan – The Grass Court Maestro

Record: Holds the record for the most National Championship (Indian Grass Court) titles — 8 in total.

 Victorious Years:

1953 (first title, aged just 16!)

1956

1958, 1959, 1960

1962, 1963, 1964

International Achievements

Reached the Wimbledon semi-finals twice:

1960 and 1961

First Asian to reach the semis at Wimbledon in the Open era.

Led India to the 1966 Davis Cup final, along with Premjit Lall and Jaideep Mukerjea.

Arjuna Award (inaugural recipient, 1961)

Padma Shri

Padma Bhushan

His son, Ramesh Krishnan, also became a top Indian tennis player, reaching Grand Slam quarterfinals and continuing the Krishnan legacy in Davis Cup ties.