“It is my greatest honour to be on this stage with not only these legends of the game, (but) people who have inspired me every single day of my life,” Paes told the ATP Tour’s official website.

“Not because you have won Grand Slams, not because you have shaped the world of our sport. But every single one of these people has shaped the world that we live in. I would like to thank you so much for giving this Indian boy hope,” he added.

Vijay Amritraj was nominated through the contributor category, which recognises individuals and groups who have made a significant impact on the sport.

Amritraj has been a prominent name in Indian tennis, serving in various capacities over the last five decades. He helped Indian tennis break new grounds in the 1970s and 80s and led India’s Davis Cup squad to its only two finals appearances in 1974 and 1987.

Amritraj is a renowned voice in tennis broadcasting in Asia and has also served as an administrator for the ATP and WTA events in Chennai.

In 2001, Amritraj became the first Indian to serve as United Nations Messenger of Peace. His Vijay Amritraj Foundation has provided education and basic needs for women and children since 2006.

“My dear friends, I am humbled and honoured to join this incredible and exclusive group, which has brought glory to our sport. Our sport has given me everything in life. It has taken me places I never thought I would go,” Amritraj said.

“It has allowed me to meet people I never thought I would meet and it has given me more things than I could have possibly imagined. It will always be a part of our lives and always bring families, communities and countries together,” he added.

With the induction of Paes and Amritraj, India became the 28th nation to be represented in the Hall of Fame.