New Delhi: The Indian Aces has signed Former World No. 1 Roger Federer for the International Tennis Premier League (ITPL). He will be the high-profile replacement for the injured Rafael Nadal in Team India, the organisers announced on Monday.
The Swiss Maestro, who has won 17 Grand Slam singles title, will play along American tennis icon Pete Sampras, Indian tennis sensation Sania Mirza, former World No. 1 Ana Ivanovic, France’s Gael Monfils and Rohan Bopanna for the Indian franchise.
“Make way for the newest #IndianAce! Watch @rogerfederer creates history at #IPTL,” IPTL said on Twitter on Monday.
Federer had initially decided against taking up the offer, but not it looks like the great man might just make his presence felt in India.
Earlier, 14 times Grand Slam winner Nadal pulled out of the inaugural event citing health problems.
“We regret to announce that due to health reasons, #RafaelNadal will not be playing in the #IPTL. We’re rooting for you, #GetWellSoonRafa!” organisers added.
Some of the biggest names in tennis, including the likes of Novak Djokovic and Maria Sharapova, apart from Nadal, were roped in for this tournament – the brainchild of Mahesh Bhupathi – which was scheduled to be held from November 28 to December 13 across India.
The Philippines, Singapore and the UAE are home to the other teams and will each host a leg of the competition, styled on cricket’s Indian Premier League and offering prize money of $29.7 million.
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, 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 men’s legends singles with one set per match, and no advantage scoring.