 Mahesh Shrinivas Bhupathi (born June 7, 1974, Chennai) After Leander Paes, Mahesh Bhupathi is the most recognizable face in Indian men`s tennis. Bhupathi turned professional in 1995 and, like Paes, has had greater success in doubles as compared to singles.
The year 1999 was the best year for Bhupathi on the professional circuit. Firstly, he and Leander made it to the final of all four major tournaments winning the French Open and the coveted Wimbledon title. That apart, Bhupathi also won the US Open mixed doubles title partnering Ai Sugiyama of Japan. Leander and Mahesh reclaimed the French Open title in 2001 but a split meant the two would never win any other doubles tournament as a pair. Even though they both split, Bhupathi went on to win the 2002 US Open men`s doubles along with Max Mirnyi of Belarus. He has tasted great success in mixed doubles also winning Grand Slams in 1997, 1999, 2002, 2005 and 2006.
Bhupathi`s latest win came in this year`s (2006) Australian Open. He was partnering none other that the former No.1 of women`s tennis Martina Hingis. In the finals, Bhupathi and Hingis got the better of Daniel Nestor (CAN) and Elena Likhovtseva (RUS) in straight sets, 6-3 6-3, to emerge victorious. This win was extra special for Bhupathi as the victory meant he had completed a career Grand Slam in mixed doubles. (Winning all four Grand Slam titles in mixed doubles) In all, he has won 10 grand slam titles. For his achievements, Bhupathi was awarded the Padma Shri in 2001.
Currently residing in Bangalore, Bhupathi floats a Sports Management Company Globosport. The company is involved in developing tennis facilities in India and has also played a pivotal role in shaping and managing careers of many Indian athletes like rising tennis star Sania Mirza.
Mahesh Bhupathi`s Grand Slam success records include:
Men`s Doubles
| Year |
Championship |
Partner |
| 1999 |
French Open |
Leander Paes (IND) |
| 1999 |
Wimbledon |
Leander Paes (IND) |
2001 |
French Open |
Leander Paes (IND) |
| 2002 |
U.S.Open |
Max Mirnyi (BLR) |
Mixed Doubles
| Year |
Championship |
Partner |
| 1997 |
French Open |
Rika Hiraki (JPN) |
| 1999 |
U.S.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) |
|
