The International Premier Tennis League seems to be on the sidelines of the cricket’s version of the Indian Premier League which has been kicked off by none other than Mahesh Bhupathi.
The International Premier Tennis League seems to be on the sidelines of the cricket’s version of the Indian Premier League which has been kicked off by none other than Mahesh Bhupathi.
The Indian Grand Slam winner has roped in some of the big names in the world of tennis that includes Novak Djokovic amongst others.
But the biggest of them all is that Swiss ace Roger Federer too will be a part of the ITPL after French Open champion Rafael Nadal dropped out citing health reasons.
Finally Indian tennis fans will get to the Fedex live in action who has visited India only once (2006).
Federer, one of the finest tennis players the world has ever produced, has won a record 17 Grand Slam titles and will be seen partnering former legend Pete Sampras and Indian tennis sensation, Sania Mirza.
The IPTL will be spread across other countries as well with the likes of Philippines, Singapore and UAE too taking interest.
The IPTL will offer a sum of 1 million dollars as prize money but regardless of the cash prize, the inclusion of Federer comes as a bright spot which is bound to be more feasible than the winning amount!
The IPTL will see teams play a total of 24 matches in a round robin format to determine the inaugural League Champion from November 28 to December 13.
Just after the news broke, the former Wimbledon champions spoke at lengths about his availability for the league. In a televised message, Federer spoke about his eagerness to play in India. “I am really looking forward to making my first trip to New Delhi and playing for Indian Aces. My team tells me that there are a lot of tennis fans and my supporters in the region, so I hope you can come out and support me in December,” the Swiss master was quoted.
More so, Federer will be joining other heavyweights from the world of tennis as well.
US Open champion Serena Williams, French open ladies winner, Maria Sharapova and former ladies world number one, Ana Ivanovic will also be part of this lucrative league.
The arrival of Roger Federer will be a boost to Indian tennis and the fans alike.
Just few months back, controversies and player in-fights were mauling the image of Indian tennis but that is tend to change once the IPTL kicks-off. India is still battling to find a singles star on the world stage even though Somdev Devvarman has been our country’s best bet going forward.
Not to forget Yuki Bhambri as well but if our young rookies get a tip or two from the ‘Fedex’, it might just make their whole career successful!
