The World Tennis League (WTL) is set to make its debut in India, bringing a star-studded lineup and team ownership to Bengaluru from December 17-20. The four-day tournament will be held at the SM Krishna Tennis Stadium.
The league has announced the team owners and the composition of the squads. The teams and their owners are:
- Game Changers Falcons: Owned by Amandeep Singh, Game Changers FZCO.
- VB Realty Hawks: Owned by Vashu Bhagnani.
- Aussie Mavericks Kites: Owned by Dr. Umed Shekhawat, Amit Sahni, and Kewal Kalra.
- AOS Eagles: Owned by AOS Sports Tournament, Dubai, and helmed by Satender Pal Chhabra.
Sixteen players will be divided into four teams. Each team will have a coach to guide them.
The team line-ups are as follows:
- Game Changers Falcons: Daniil Medvedev, Rohan Bopanna, Magda Linette, and Sahaja Yamalapalli; coached by John Laffnie De Jager (JL). Amandeep Singh said that the team has a balance of power and experience, with Medvedev's court dominance and Bopanna's doubles expertise.
- VB Realty Hawks: Denis Shapovalov, Yuki Bhambri, Elina Svitolina, and Maaya Revathi; coached by Robert Lindstedt. Vashu Bhagnani said that Shapovalov's explosive style, Bhambri's consistency, and the resilience of Svitolina and Maaya make them a dynamic unit.
- Aussie Mavericks Kites: Nick Kyrgios, Dhakshineshwar Suresh, Marta Kostyuk, and Ankita Raina; coached by Julian Knowle. Dr. Umed Shekhawat stated that the Mavericks are built for high-impact tennis, with Kyrgios' powerful serve and Kostyuk's aggression, combined with strong Indian representation.
- AOS Eagles: Gael Monfils, Sumit Nagal, Paula Badosa, and Shrivalli Bhamidipaty; coached by Mark Gellard.
The World Tennis League has been held in the UAE for three seasons and is now coming to India. The league features a unique team format and high-level competition. The inclusion of Indian players is intended to fuel domestic growth and give them more exposure alongside global stars.
Elena Rybakina said she is excited to make her debut in India with WTL. She has heard about the tennis culture in India and is ready to enjoy every moment on the court with her team.
Mahesh Bhupathi, co-founder of the World Tennis League, believes that the WTL's arrival in India is an opportunity to strengthen the bond between India and tennis. He believes that the format brings out the fast, dynamic, and engaging side of the competition.
The World Tennis League promises high-octane courtside action delivered by some of the finest global tennis stars and India's top-seeded players.
