Get ready, Bengaluru! The highly anticipated World Tennis League (WTL) is set to make its much-awaited India debut from December 17-20, transforming the SM Krishna Tennis Stadium into a hub of top-tier tennis action. This marks the first time the WTL, a popular fixture in the UAE for the past three seasons, will be hosted in India.
The tournament promises a star-studded lineup, featuring some of the biggest names in global tennis. Fans will witness the prowess of Daniil Medvedev, the flair of Nick Kyrgios, the power of Elena Rybakina, and the competitive spirit of Paula Badosa. Esteemed Indian player Rohan Bopanna will also be in action, alongside the electrifying Gael Monfils, promising young talent Arthur Fils, and India’s emerging star Sumit Nagal. Rounding out the international contingent are Magda Linette and Marta Kostyuk.
In a significant move to promote local talent, the WTL has also included prominent Indian players such as Yuki Bhambri, Ankita Raina, Shrivalli Bhamidipaty, Maaya Revathi, Dhakshineswar Suresh, and Shivika Burman. This integration offers a fantastic platform for Indian athletes to compete on an international stage.
World No. 5 Elena Rybakina shared her excitement: “I’ve heard so much about the tennis culture in India, and I’m thrilled to make my debut here with WTL. The league has an exciting format, and I’m ready to enjoy every moment on the court with my team.” Her sentiments reflect the anticipation building around this event.
The WTL’s unique format involves four teams competing in a round-robin structure. Each day’s play will comprise men’s singles, women’s singles, and two doubles matches. The ultimate showdown will be between the two teams that emerge victorious from the round-robin phase.
Mahesh Bhupathi, a luminary in the sport and a co-founder of the WTL, emphasized the event’s importance for Indian tennis. “India has always shared a deep and lasting connection with tennis, and the WTL’s arrival here is an opportunity to strengthen that bond. As someone who has lived the sport, I believe this format brings out the fast, dynamic, and engaging side of the competition. With international champions sharing the court with India’s top talent, we hope to inspire the next generation of players and showcase tennis as a sport that is intense, global, and full of possibility,” he commented.