Top 5 highest ATP ranked Indian tennis players
Indian tennis has undergone significant development over the years, with several players achieving notable milestones. The latest addition to this legacy is Sumit Nagal, who in 2024 broke into the top 100 of the ATP rankings while clinching victories at the ATP Challenger in Chennai and Heilbronn.
Let's take a look at some of India's top players who have achieved the best ATP rankings in tennis history.
Vijay Amritraj - ATP Ranking 18
Vijay Amritraj is one of India's most prominent tennis players. He reached his career-high ATP singles ranking of 18 in 1980. Amritraj had a successful career, reaching the quarterfinals of Wimbledon and the US Open, and was known for his aggressive playing style and serve-and-volley game.
Being one of the earliest to grace the sport from India, he rose to prominence in the late 1970s and 1980s. He played in 27 ATP singles finals and 29 doubles finals, winning 19 singles titles in ATP tournaments.
Ramesh Krishnan - ATP Ranking 23
Ramesh Krishnan is a former Indian tennis player renowned for his tactical and precise play. Achieving his highest singles ranking of 23 in 1985, Krishnan made quarterfinal appearances at both Wimbledon and the US Open.
He was instrumental in India's Davis Cup successes during the 1980s. In his career, he secured eight singles titles.
Somdev Devvarman - ATP Ranking 62
Somdev Devvarman reached his peak ATP singles ranking of 62 in 2011. Devvarman gained significant popularity during his collegiate career in the United States.
Devvarman also achieved success on the international stage, winning the gold medal in men's singles at both the 2010 Commonwealth Games and the 2010 Asian Games for India. His career record stands at 62–81, with a 43.4% win rate in ATP tour and Grand Slam matches.
Sumit Nagal - ATP Ranking 71
Currently the No. 1 ranked Indian player, Sumit Nagal is known for his strong baseline game and has been one of the rising stars in tennis.
Sumit Nagal reached his career-high singles ranking of 71 on June 17, 2024, after winning the Heilbronn Challenger tournament and finishing runner-up at Perugia. Throughout his career, he has claimed six ATP Challenger titles.
Sashi Menon - ATP Ranking 71
Sashi Menon, a former Indian professional tennis player, enjoyed a career spanning from 1970 to 1984, during which he participated in over 700 matches. He secured four career singles titles and three doubles titles.
In 1975, Sashi Menon attained his highest singles ranking of 71, marking a notable achievement in Indian tennis history. Although he is perhaps less prominent than some of his peers, his contributions during the 1970s and 1980s remain a significant part of the sport's legacy in India.