Tuesday, January 21, 2014

International Premier Tennis League all set to roll out in November 2014

International Premier Tennis League all set to roll out in November 2014
After the initial announcement back in May, the IPTL - International Premier Tennis League- consisting of the best male and female professional tennis players along with some of the greatest names that have played the sport- the league is happy to announce the first five teams. Fans will witness something new and exciting in the very traditional landscape of professional tennis within a league that promises to be innovative, serving a new time-sensitive format, while keeping true to all the characteristics that make tennis a unique sport.

"We are happy to announce today, the ownership of teams and therefore competition in Bangkok, Singapore, Mumbai, Kuala Lumpur and one more city to be announced in the Middle East. We have been working relentlessly to formulate and deliver a concept that not only meets global expectations of excellence, but also provides quality tennis coupled with entertainment for fans. With this, we confirmed team owners in five of Asia's biggest markets." says Mahesh Bhupathi, co-founder of the IPTL.

Speaking about the initiative, Tennis ace Lleyton Hewitt said  "I have heard of the many ideas being added to the League and I am excited to have confirmed my participation. I wait to see whose team I am on, I do not have any preferences as I know there are a lot of fans waiting to see World class tennis in all cities." The player draft has been scheduled for 2 March 2014 in the United Arab Emirates, and all eyes will be on the IPTL and where the players will be playing.

"This is something that tennis needs. Back in my time we would have loved to have a series of
tournaments in Asia, where the demand for world class tennis as an entertainment concept merges with the needs and wishes of millions of fans." says Boris Becker, co-founder of the IPTL.

International TV rights agency MP and Silva, who hold part of the television rights for 2014 FIFA World Cup, the English Premier League and Roland Garros amongst other globally prominent sporting events, have acquired the rights to the IPTL and will be distributing the images of the league on a world wide platform according to Morgan Menahem CEO of the IPTL.

About IPTL

The IPTL is the first-of-its-kind Asian tennis league with a unique concept bringing together the best tennis players from across the world on the same platform. It is a city/country based franchise led league involving not only the current Men's and Women's players but also the Legends of the game. With the aim of growing the presence of Tennis in Asia, attract and maintain the level of interest and passion for this sport, the first season is set to take place between 28 November and 20 December 2014 with teams playing each other home and away.