After a grand success of the multi-tour International Premier Tennis League in 2014, there is a huge sense of expectation from the competition in 2015. Team owners were present to put their teams together and pose huge challenge in the IPTL as the global players draft took shape on Sunday in Dubai.
Some teams have retained some of their stars, while some top players have shifted to some other teams as well. The competition is scheduled from 2 to 20 December 2015.
Spaniard Rafael Nadal will join Micromax Indian Aces, who won the inaugural edition as well. But, the Aces would miss the services of Roger Federer, who will represent UAE Royals in 2015.
Meanwhile, Japan Warriors, who have picked Indian doubles star, Leander Paes, is the new addition in the tournament and with this new entrant, the competition promises to be even bigger this time around with an array of stars.
Other member of the team includes Maria Sharapova, Kei Nishikori, Marat Safin, Vasek Pospisil, Daniela Hantuchova and Lucas Pouille.
Mahesh Bhupathi, founder of the IPTL, has high expectations from the 2015 edition as well after the success of last season, "We started off to an exciting beginning in 2014. The first edition was a resounding success in terms of player and fan acceptance. Television and digital audiences enjoyed a very high level of competition, and we have set a high bar for ourselves. We are confident of building on the success of last year to come back with a bigger and better product in 2015."
Talking about Japan's inclusion in the tournament, he said, "Tennis is on a tremendous growth path in Asia led by Japan. The country boasts of 3 men's players in the top 100. Japan coming on board as the 5th Asian country led by their top star Nishikori, proves that the league is on the right path."
Complete Team List For All Teams
Singapore Slammers - Novak Djokovic, Nick Kyrgios, Marcelo Melo, Belinda Bencic, Thanasi Kokkinakis, Karolina Pliskova and Carlos Moya.
UAE Royals - Roger Federer, Goran Ivanisevic, Ana Ivanovic, Marin Cilic, Daniel Nestor, Kristina Mladenovic and Tomas Berdych.
Japan Warriors - Leander Paes, Maria Sharapova, Kei Nishikori, Marat Safin, Vasek Pospisil, Daniela Hantuchova and Lucas Pouille.
Indian Aces – Rafael Nadal, Agnieszka Radwanska, Gael Monfils, Ivan Dodig, Sania Mirza, Rohan Bopanna and Fabrice Santoro.
Manila Mavericks - Serena Williams, Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, Treat Huey, Mark Philippoussis, Richard Gasquet, Jarmila Gajdosova, Borna Coric and Sabine Lisicki.
