The Indian tennis fraternity will get a golden chance to watch and learn up-close from an array of top stars, including former US Open champion Daniil Medvedev, when the World Tennis League begins here on Wednesday.
The Indian names in the fourth edition of the four-day event, which is being played on these shores for the first time, are no less experienced on the circuit. But being part of the squad and getting a chance to exchange notes with some high-achievers will certainly help tour regulars like Sumit Nagal, D Suresh, Ankita Raina and Sahaja Yamalapalli to add a new dimension to their game.
Younger names like Shrivalli Bhamdipaty and Maaya Rajeshwaran Revathi too will be eager to use the tournament as a study time to sharpen their skills ahead of the imminent new season. Apart from former World No. 1 and current No. 13 Medvedev, Indian players are clubbed with World No. 23 Denis Shapovalov and No. 67 Gael Monfils.
Another notable name in the competition is of the temperamental Nick Kyrigos, who is currently ranked 652 in the ATP list. But that’s largely because he missed major parts of 2023 and 2024 due to an injury and a subsequent surgery, and his appearances this year too have been very limited.
It will be interesting to see how his ravaged body stands up to the challenge, particularly when he has expressed his desire to play in the Australian Open, his home Grand Slam. If the Aussie can revive some of his sublime shot-making skills, it will be a treat for fans here.
Among the women’s names, World No. 14 Elina Svitolina, No. 25 Paula Badosa, a regular in Grand Slams, and No. 26 Marta Kostyuk, who reached Round 4 of this year's US Open, will lead the show.
Teams and format
There will be four teams in the competition — Hawks, Falcons, Kites and Eagles, containing two men and two women players each. The tournament will begin with a match between Hawks and Kites, followed by a contest between Eagles and Falcons.
It will be played in the round robin format and each tie consists of four sets. The teams will get one point for each game if they win in a tie. If the team which wins the fourth set is trailing, the match will go to overtime. If the overall game score is equal after four sets, a first to 10 super shootout tiebreak will be played. The top two teams will advance to the final on Saturday.
Also read: Medvedev, Bopanna to play in WTL’s India debut
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