Champions Tennis league — the tournament that brings together international players in men's and women's categories along with legends of yesteryears and Indian talent — commences in the capital from Monday. Involving six teams which represent different cities of India, the tournament gives Indian fans a chance to witness top quality tennis that has been amiss so far.
Witnessing the birth of the league will be fans in the capital as Delhi Dreams take on Punjab Marshalls in the inaugural tie (at 5 PM) at the DlTA Complex. It will be followed by another tie in where Hyderabad Aces host Bangalore Raptors (at 8 PM).
Each team has a legend, an international men's singles player, an international women's singles player and a male Indian player in their midst. Giving the league a further Indian flavour and an opportunity for tennis in the country to improve is the addition of two U-18 players in all six cities to learn from their illustrious teammates.
Due to time constraint, the Vijay Amritraj conceptualised league will be played in a new ‘one-set, one match’ format. According to the rules, every match will be of one set and the tie will be decided on ‘best of five sets’ basis.
The tie will serve-off with legends singles followed by mixed doubles, women's singles, men's doubles and end with men's singles.
It will be a huge opportunity for the country to see top players such as South Africa's Kevin Anderson, Spain's Feliciano lopez and Tommy Robredo compete alongside the top ladies in Spain's Garbine Muguruza, Jelena Jankovic, Venus Williams, Agniezska Radwanska and Martina Hingis to name a few.
Speaking about the CTl, Indian Davis Cupper and Punjab Marshall's Somdev Devvarman said, "It's going to be exciting because it's a brand new venture and I think there are a lot of positives that will come out of this. You're going to generate a lot of interest in tennis in India because you will have legends of the game — (Juan Carlos) Ferrero, (Sergi) Bruguera, Hingis, Venus, Radwanska, who have accomplished a lot in the sport.
“For the general public in India to get a chance to see them live is a huge deal. Also it's going to spark a lot of interest in the younger group as well. Everybody has idolized these players and it's going to be special. It's going to be positive, it's a high energy format with everything one set and no-advantage. It's going to be close with evenly matched teams. It's very exciting for tennis in India and a lot of positives to be taken."
Given the format and the fact that the league is being played in off-season, there have been some doubts that players will not take it seriously. But Devvarman rubbished those doubts and suggested everyone wants to win irrespective of the title. "The players are taking it very seriously. It is a team event and you don't want to let your teammates down, your city down. You want to fight as hard as you can for your team and I will do my best for Chandigarh, for Punjab and see if we can take it all the way to the top. As players we will all go for it. When you step on to the court, no one wants to lose, I guarantee you that. It will be high intensity and high energy tennis for 20-30 minutes. You're going to see a lot of adrenaline and everyone will give it their best," he said.
World No 10 David Ferrer who was part of the Punjab team pulled out due to injury and leander Paes was introduced as a replacement. Both Devvarman and Garbine Murguza were looking forward to playing with the legendary Indian. "I've never had the chance to play with leander but now I finally do and he can pull the crowd so it will be a lot of fun," said the Indian. Murguza echoed his thoughts despite admitting she's seen him play but never interacted with him. "I've never played mixed doubles and to play with leander is like the best start. I don't know how it's going to go but I'm really looking forward to that. I see him in tournaments but we're in separate areas so haven't spoken to him. But I've watched him play - how can I not!" she said.
How the league pans out and how the fans reciprocate to it remains to be seen.