Break Point release around the corner, taking a look at magnificent career of tennis star Mahesh Bhupati

If ever there was a sporting powerhouse that India could be proud of, before Neeraj Chopra, it undoubtedly will be the pair of Lee-Hesh. With ZEE5 all set to unravel the bromance of this famed duo for their die-hard fans come October 1, here is a look at what ‘Hesh’ as Mahesh Bhupathi of the Leander Paes-Mahesh Bhupathi fame achieved.

An ATP tour win-loss record of 687-364 with 52 titles to boot is what defines India’s ace tennis star Mahesh Bhupathi. The crown on this jewel was the career-high number one doubles rank achieved on April 26, 1999. Not a force to reckon with individually, Mahesh Bhupathi touched a career-high of 217th ranking on February 2, 1998. Having last featured in the ATP Masters 1000 at Madrid on May 2, 2015, with Fabrice Martin as his partner, Mahesh Bhupathi ended up with career earnings of $66,65,907.

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Mahesh Bhupathi became the first Indian to win a major tournament with Rika Hiraki in 1997. His win at the 2006 Australian mixed doubles earned him the distinction of being part of an elite group of eight tennis players who achieved a career grand slam in mixed doubles. Founder of International Premier Tennis League, Bhupathi is currently India’s non-playing Davis Cup captain, a role that he took over from Anand Amritraj in February 2017.

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With his partner Leander Paes, Mahesh Bhupathi became the first doubles team to enter the finals of all four grand slams in 1999, the first that anyone achieved this feat in the open era. The duo was ranked number one doubles team on April 26, 1999. Known for his big serve, tennis greats Roger Federer and Rafael ‘Rafa’ Nadal has acknowledged his prowess as a doubles player.

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While Nadal found his backhand the best for an Ad court player, Roger hailed him as one of the best players of all time. Recipient of Padma Shri, Bhupathi, an alumnus of the University of Mississippi also set up Globosport India Pvt Ltd, a sports and entertainment company. After his seven-year marriage with model Shvetha Jaishankar ended in 2009, Mahesh Bhupathi said aye to Lara Dutta, Miss Universe 2000 in February 2011. The couple in 2010 started a film production company – Big Daddy Productions. Bhupathi has also launched ZEVEN, an authentic Indian sports brand.