Mahesh Bhupathi is one of the most celebrated tennis players in Indian history, renowned for his dominance in doubles and mixed doubles.
As the first Indian to win a Grand Slam title, Bhupathi’s career is a testament to his skill, determination, and influence on the sport globally.
Mahesh Bhupathi’s Biography
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Mahesh Shrinivas Bhupathi |
| Nickname | Hesh |
| Date of Birth | June 7, 1974 |
| Age | 50 years |
| College | University of Mississippi, USA |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Height | 6 ft 1 in (185 cm) |
| Turned Pro | 1995 |
| Net Worth | $6 million |
| Salary | Varies per tournaments |
| Relationship Status | Married to Lara Dutta |
| Instagram Profile | @mbhupathi |
Early Career
Mahesh Bhupathi’s journey started early, with his father training him rigorously from childhood.
He attended the University of Mississippi, where he earned All-America honors in singles and doubles in 1995. That same year, he turned professional and quickly made a name for himself.
Professional Career
Bhupathi excelled in doubles and mixed doubles. He won 12 Grand Slam titles, including four men’s doubles and eight mixed doubles championships.
His partnership with Leander Paes was legendary; together, they achieved the rare feat of reaching all four Grand Slam finals in 1999, winning the French Open and Wimbledon.
Bhupathi also completed a career Grand Slam in mixed doubles by winning titles at all four major tournaments.
Wife
Mahesh Bhupathi is married to Bollywood actress Lara Dutta. The couple tied the knot in February 2011 and have a daughter named Saira Bhupathi, born in January 2012.
Their relationship is often highlighted as a blend of sports and entertainment excellence.
Mahesh Bhupathi’s Net Worth Details
Mahesh Bhupathi’s net worth is estimated to be $6 million as of 2025. His earnings stem from prize money during his illustrious tennis career, endorsements with major brands, and business ventures like Globosport and Zeven Sportswear.
Prize Money
The table below summarizes Mahesh Bhupathi’s career prize money earnings:
| Category | Earnings (USD) |
|---|---|
| Singles | $0 |
| Doubles | $6,665,907 |
| Total Earnings | $6,665,907 |
Endorsements
Mahesh Bhupathi has been associated with several high-profile brands throughout his career:
- Colgate-Palmolive
- U.S. Polo Assn.
- Re/Max
- Zeven Sportswear
- Scentials Beautycare and Wellness
These endorsements highlight his marketability both during and after his playing career.
Career Stats
The table below highlights some key matches against notable opponents:
| Opponent Name | Tournament | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Leander Paes | French Open (1999) | Won |
| Martina Hingis | Australian Open (2006) | Won |
| Bob Bryan/Mike Bryan | Australian Open (2009) | Lost |
FAQs
1. Who is Mahesh Bhupathi?
Mahesh Bhupathi is a retired Indian tennis player born on June 7, 1974, in Chennai, India. He is renowned for being one of the most dominant doubles players in tennis history and the first Indian to win a Grand Slam title, achieving this milestone at the 1997 French Open in mixed doubles.
2. How many Grand Slam titles has Mahesh Bhupathi won?
Mahesh Bhupathi has won a total of 12 Grand Slam titles, including four men’s doubles and eight mixed doubles championships. His victories span all four major tournaments: the Australian Open, French Open, Wimbledon, and U.S. Open.
3. What is Mahesh Bhupathi’s notable achievement in mixed doubles?
Mahesh Bhupathi is the first Indian to complete a career Grand Slam in mixed doubles. He achieved this feat by winning all four Grand Slam tournaments in mixed doubles, with his victories spread across different years and partners.
4. What was Mahesh Bhupathi’s partnership with Leander Paes?
Mahesh Bhupathi and Leander Paes formed one of the most iconic doubles partnerships in tennis history. Together, they won multiple ATP titles and reached the finals of all four Grand Slams in 1999, winning the French Open and Wimbledon that year.
5. What awards has Mahesh Bhupathi received for his contributions to tennis?
Mahesh Bhupathi has been honored with several awards, including the Arjuna Award in 1995 for outstanding performance in sports and the Padma Shri in 2001, India’s fourth-highest civilian award, for his contributions to tennis.
6. What role did Mahesh Bhupathi play in Indian tennis after retiring?
After retiring from professional tennis, Mahesh Bhupathi became involved in sports management and founded Globosport, a talent management company. He also served as India’s non-playing Davis Cup captain starting in February 2017.
7. Who is Mahesh Bhupathi married to?
Mahesh Bhupathi is married to Bollywood actress Lara Dutta. The couple tied the knot on February 16, 2011, in a civil ceremony followed by a Christian wedding on February 20, 2011. They have a daughter named Saira Bhupathi.
8. What challenges did Mahesh Bhupathi face during his career?
Throughout his career, Mahesh Bhupathi dealt with injuries such as shoulder and back surgeries but managed to return to compete at the highest level. His discipline and recovery efforts were key to sustaining his long career.
9. What was Mahesh Bhupathi’s first Grand Slam title?
Mahesh Bhupathi’s first Grand Slam title was the mixed doubles championship at the French Open in 1997. He partnered with Japan’s Rika Hiraki to secure this historic win.
10. How has Mahesh Bhupathi contributed to Indian sports beyond tennis?
Apart from his achievements on the court, Mahesh Bhupathi has contributed to Indian sports by mentoring young talent through his academy and promoting tennis through initiatives like the International Premier Tennis League (IPTL).
