Paes agrees to play in Bhupathi’s IPTL

Sabi Hussain

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tribune news service

new delhi, august 1

After raising serious doubts over the sustainability and transparency of the Mahesh Bhupathi-promoted International Premier Tennis League (IPTL) in the past, Leander Paes has finally agreed to join the IPTL bandwagon. The 16-time Grand Slam champion will be turning up for Japan Warriors in the second edition.

Paes decided to put his rivalry with Bhupathi behind him and make himself available for IPTL, which is scheduled from December 2 to 20.

Paes’ sudden change of heart is still a topic of speculation as he had termed the concept of the tournament as “non-sustainable” during one of his interviews.

But now, Paes’ views on the viability and potential success of IPTL have changed so much that he expressed his keenness to become a part of the league. His name figured in the IPTL draft and he was lapped up by the Japan team, which will have Maria Sharapova and Kei Nishikori in its ranks. Bhupathi welcomed Paes’ decision to come on board. “There are a very few players who can entertain on the tennis court. When it comes to net play, Paes is the fastest guy in the world. You will see a lot of exciting points from him,” Bhupathi told The Tribune

Need a miracle in Davis Cup

Talking about India’s chances in the Davis Cup World Group playoff tie against Czech Republic, Bhupathi said the home side needs to “pull off a minor miracle” to advance to the elite World Group. “Czech Republic will field a full-strength squad in world No. 6 Tomas Berdych and multiple Grand Slam winner Radek Stepanek,” he said.

Federer vs Rafa

IPTL will provide  a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the tennis fans in India to witness live the epic rivalry between Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal. Nadal, leading the Indian Aces in his debut season, will play Federer of UAE Royals in New Delhi on December 12. Last year, fans had witnessed an iconic clash between Federer and Novak Djokovic, which the latter won.