1939–2021
Akhtar Ali
The Guru of Indian Tennis
Davis Cup player, India’s national coach for nearly three decades, and mentor to generations of champions. A life dedicated to tennis, lived with passion, grace and purpose, on and off the court.
Early years
Akhtar Ali emerged from Kolkata in the mid-1950s, when India was a young nation and tennis was still largely a sport for the privileged. He won the National Junior Championships at home and reached the semi-finals of Junior Wimbledon.
Among the first to recognise his talent was Maharani Gayatri Devi, who sponsored him during 1955–56, support he remained grateful for all his life.
A life well played
From 1958 to 1964 Akhtar Ali represented India in the Davis Cup, alongside Ramanathan Krishnan, Naresh Kumar, Premjit Lall and Jaidip Mukerjea.
He competed at Wimbledon, the French Open and the Italian Championships, won the Ceylon National Championships, and was crowned Asian mixed doubles champion. He also excelled at squash, becoming National Squash Champion in 1968–69.
Serving as player, serving as coach
Akhtar Ali moved from playing to coaching, qualifying through the National Institute of Sports, the International Tennis Federation and the USPTR.
He coached the Indian national team from 1966 to 1993 and led the Junior Development Programme. He guided India to the Davis Cup final in 1966 and 1974, with players including Ramanathan Krishnan, Jaidip Mukerjea, Premjit Lall, S.P. Misra and the Amritraj brothers. Vijay Amritraj chose him as his personal coach during his prime years on the ATP circuit and at Wimbledon.
“Perfect practice makes a champion.”
National champions he produced
Gaurav Mishra, Zeeshan Ali, Bidyut Goswami, Enrico Piperno, Susan Das, Syed Fazaluddin, Susan Jones, Anjali Binayak and Shivika Burman.
Players he coached
Ramesh Krishnan, Chiradip Mukherjee, Jasjit Singh, Shashi Menon, Nandan Bal, Vasudevan, Zeeshan Ali, Leander Paes, Enrico Piperno, Gaurav Mishra, Balram Singh, C.G.K. Bhupathi and Shyam Minotra.
Beyond India
Akhtar Ali coached the Malaysian national team from 1968 to 1970 and again from 1991 to 1993, and led Belgium’s national team from 1980 to 1984, mentoring coaches as well as players.
He advised at Harry Hopman’s academy in the United States, worked at the Nick Bollettieri and Palmer academies in Europe and the United States, and was an ambassador of Saddlebrook Tennis. He counted Harry Hopman, Pancho Segura and Pancho Gonzalez among his mentors.
Off the court, he was a familiar voice in television commentary and wrote about the game for newspapers.
Accolades
- Arjuna AwardUnion Ministry of Sports, 2000
- Lifetime Achievement AwardPresented by the Hon’ble President of India
- Dilip Bose AwardAll India Tennis Association, 2002
- Lifetime Achievement AwardAll India Tennis Association
- Lifetime Achievement AwardBengal Tennis Association, 2004
- Krida Guru AwardGovernment of West Bengal
- Pro of the YearUnited States Professional Tennis Registry, 1998
- Lifetime Achievement AwardUnited States Professional Tennis Registry
- Mother Teresa International Award
- Bharat Nirman Award
- Golden Akhtar felicitationAllsport Management and Ontrack Systems Ltd., for 50 years of service to Indian tennis
- Ambassador of Saddlebrook TennisUnited States
Like father, like son
Akhtar Ali groomed his son, Zeeshan Ali, who became a national champion with six titles. Zeeshan won satellite tournaments in India, Tokyo and Taipei, took gold at the Asian Games, represented India at the Olympics, and was ranked No. 2 in the world in the junior rankings. He reached Challenger finals in the United States and Singapore, and helped India reach the Davis Cup final in 1987.
Akhtar and Zeeshan Ali are the only father–son pair to have both played for and coached their national Davis Cup team.
“I believe there is always more to discover. To be a successful coach, one must remain a perpetual learner.”
Akhtar Ali
Voices that remember
Players, peers and admirers across generations on what Akhtar Ali gave them.
“Akhtar Sir taught me how to volley… it’s a technique I’ve carried forever. Those early lessons stayed with me every time I stepped onto the court. He told me it’s my job to inspire every young child in India.”
“My father’s passion was infectious. He believed in nurturing the spirit as much as the skill.”
“Akhtar Ali was the heartbeat of our team. His passion and belief lifted us all.”
“He didn’t just teach tennis; he taught us discipline, focus, and how to carry ourselves with dignity.”
“Akhtar Sir was not just a coach, but a guiding light who believed in nurturing every player’s potential.”
“Terrific as a coach — he did great service to Indian tennis.”
“A big loss for Indian tennis… He was the best coach India had.”
“Indian tennis is much poorer with the loss of Akhtar Sir. He was a father figure to us all.”
“Akhtar’s knowledge of the game was unmatched. He was always a step ahead, shaping players to meet every challenge.”
“Patient and approachable off-court, but a tough, inspiring taskmaster on it.”
Somdev Devvarman spoke of his dedication as a mentor and how his passion shaped the careers of so many young players.
When he passed away in 2021, Mamata Banerjee called him “a true tennis legend” and offered condolences to his family and admirers.
Gallery
From player to legend
Beyond the baseline
In esteemed company
Guiding greatness
Continuing a legacy
Over the years Akhtar Ali quietly changed many lives: helping students earn tennis scholarships abroad, guiding young athletes to careers in sport, supporting job placements, and giving back to the community. He never sought the spotlight for it.
That work began formally around 1995 as the Akhtar Ali Tennis Academy. In 2021 his family renamed it the Akhtar Ali Foundation, to honour him and carry forward his commitment to sport and social good: nurturing talent, providing opportunities, and building a supportive community for athletes at every level.
For 19 years Akhtar Ali hosted a junior AITA tournament, with his family closely involved each year. The Foundation ran the 20th edition in October 2025, and in December 2026 the Akhtar Ali Cup becomes a professional championship.
Partner with the Akhtar Ali Cup
Help bring a top-tier AITA men’s championship to Kolkata this December.
Visit
54, Lower Range Road
Kolkata 700019
West Bengal, India