Mark your calendars! The World Tennis League (WTL), a dynamic team-based tennis competition, is making its much-awaited India debut in Bengaluru from December 17-20. After captivating audiences across the UAE for three successful seasons, the league is set to bring its unique brand of tennis to the SM Krishna Tennis Stadium, promising an unforgettable experience for fans.
The tournament is set to feature a galaxy of tennis stars, including Grand Slam champions Daniil Medvedev and Elena Rybakina, along with the electrifying Nick Kyrgios. The lineup also includes Paula Badosa, Indian tennis icon Rohan Bopanna, the charismatic Gael Monfils, emerging star Arthur Fils, India’s top singles player Sumit Nagal, Magda Linette, and Marta Kostyuk. Bolstering the home-grown talent, Yuki Bhambri, Ankita Raina, Shrivalli Bhamidipaty, Maaya Revathi, Dhakshineswar Suresh, and Shivika Burman are all set to compete.
World No. 5 Elena Rybakina conveyed her eagerness to play in India. “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,” she shared. The WTL’s innovative format involves four teams competing in a round-robin phase. Each team’s tie will consist of one men’s singles, one women’s singles, and two doubles encounters, with the top two teams advancing to the championship final.
Mahesh Bhupathi, a former doubles Grand Slam champion and co-founder of WTL, highlighted the significance of this Indian venture. “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,” he stated. Bhupathi added that the event aims to foster a new generation of players by showcasing a high-energy, global tennis spectacle.
