NEW DELHI: Rafa Nadal has withdrawn from the inaugural International Premier Tennis League (IPTL) but the organizers pulled off a coup on Monday by naming Swiss maestro Roger Federer as replacement for the injured Spaniard.
Fourteen times grand slam winner Nadal dealt a big blow to the fledgling tournament by pulling out of the Indian franchise citing ‘health problems’.
“When you are talking of profile as high as Rafa Nadal, there was probably only one name that could have helped ease the pain and for us fortunately Roger was available and we made it happen,” IPTL founder Mahesh Bhupathi told.
Rafa has been hurt since Wimbledon, he has not played any tennis. “I am very disappointed to announce that I will not be part of the first edition of the IPTL,” Nadal said.
“I was looking forward to representing Indian Aces and playing in front of fans in New Delhi in the exciting new League.. I wish the team the very best and hope to be back next year.” he added.
Getting Federer on board was all more satisfying for the organizers as the Swiss great, the winner of a record 17 grand slam titles, had initially appeared apprehensive of the league.
“Earlier on, when I was talking to the players a year and half ago, Roger was expecting his set of twins,” Bhupathi, the Indian doubles specialist, said. “And we are very happy to have him play for India.” he added.
Federer joins retired American Pete Sampras in the Indian franchise of the four-team event, scheduled to be played from Nov. 28 to Dec. 13.
“I’m really looking forward to making my first trip to New Delhi and playing for the Micromax Indian aces,” Federer said.
Philippines, Singapore and the United Arab Emirates are home to the other teams and will each host a leg of the competition, styled on cricket’s IPL and offering $1 million prize money.
Men’s world No. 1 Novak Djokovic, his women’s counterpart Serena Williams, Andy Murray, Jo-Wilfried Tsonga and former women’s top-ranked players Maria Sharapova, Ana Ivanovic and Caroline Wozniacki have also confirmed their participation.
The teams will compete in men’s and women’s singles, men’s and mixed doubles and a men’s legends singles with one set per match, and no advantage scoring. “Each team is going to be different. I think India and Manila will probably break because these are the markets where these kind of stars have not been seen before,” Bhupathi said. (Reuters)