A complete history of India in the US Open!

The US Open, which started in 1881 as the U.S. National Championship, was initially open only to American amateur players. It began accepting international professionals in 1968. Indian players have made significant contributions to the tournament, particularly in doubles and mixed doubles. Leander Paes, Mahesh Bhupathi, and Sania Mirza have all won multiple titles in these categories. In singles, Vijay Amritraj, Ramesh Krishnan, and Sania Mirza have also achieved notable success. As the US Open 2024 unfolds, let’s take a look at some of the remarkable Indian records and achievements in this prestigious event.

When did India’s first appearance come at the US Open?

In the 1968 US Open, Ramanathan Krishnan and Premjit Lall were the first Indians to compete in the men’s singles event. Premjit Lall was knocked out in the first round by seventh seed Clark Graebner, with a score of 3-6, 6-1, 5-7, 4-6. Ramanathan Krishnan advanced to the second round but was defeated by fourth seed John Newcombe in straight sets, 4-6, 4-6, 2-6. It wasn't until 2004 that an Indian woman made her debut at the US Open. Shikha Uberoi, a US-based player, entered the women’s singles draw with a wildcard. She qualified for the main draw by winning against Ivana Abramovic, Anne Kremer, and Vilmarie Castellvi. Uberoi won her first-round match against Saori Obata but was eliminated by Venus Williams in the second round.

Who won India’s first-ever match at the US Open and when?

In the 1968 US Open, Ramanathan Krishnan secured a victory in his first-round match against Australian Warren Jacques with a score of 14-12, 2-6, 6-0, 6-4. This win marked a significant achievement in his career. In 2004, Shikha Uberoi made history by becoming the first Indian woman to win a match at the US Open. She triumphed in her first-round match against Japan’s Saori Obata with a score of 6-3, 3-6, 7-5. Uberoi’s win was a landmark moment for Indian tennis on the international stage.

Who is the first Indian to reach the finals at the US Open?

In 1999, Leander Paes and Mahesh Bhupathi made history as the first Indian pair to reach the finals of the men’s doubles event at the US Open. They were defeated by Alex O'Brien and Sébastien Lareau with a score of 6-7, 4-6. Additionally, Mahesh Bhupathi also reached the mixed doubles finals in the same year, partnering with Japanese player Ai Sugiyama.

Who is the first Indian to win the US Open title?

The long-awaited breakthrough for Indian players at the US Open came in 1999 when Mahesh Bhupathi and Ai Sugiyama clinched the mixed doubles title. The Indo-Japanese team triumphed over the American pair of Kimberly Po and Donald Johnson with a score of 6-4, 6-4, making Bhupathi the first Indian to win a US Open title. In 2014, Sania Mirza became the first Indian woman to win a US Open title, taking the mixed doubles championship. Partnering with Brazilian Bruno Soares, Mirza defeated Abigail Spears and Santiago Gonzalez 6-1, 2-6, 11-9 in the final.

Who is the Indian player with the most titles won at the US Open?

Leander Paes holds the record for the most US Open titles won by an Indian player. The legendary Paes has secured a total of five US Open titles: three in men's doubles (2006, 2009, and 2013) and two in mixed doubles (2008 and 2015).

Among other notable contributions Legendary Vijay Amritraj was the first Indian to reach the US Open singles quarterfinals, achieving this feat in 1973 and 1974. Ramesh Krishnan matched this achievement in 1981 and 1987. In 1991, Leander Paes won the Junior US Open, and in 2005, Sania Mirza became the first Indian woman to reach the fourth round of a Grand Slam.