Sania Mirza, Rafael Nadal to Lead Indian Aces in IPTL 2015
Sania Mirza, world No.1 in doubles, will play alongside Rafael Nadal, who missed the first edition of IPTL due to injury. Japan is the fifth and new team this season.
The global Player Draft for the second edition of the International Premier Tennis League (IPTL) was held on Sunday in Dubai. Amidst much anticipation and excitement, the team owners put their teams together for the second season scheduled from December 2-20 this year.
Sania Mirza, who has become world No. 1 in doubles, will play alongside Rafael Nadal, who missed the first edition of the tournament last year due to injury. (Leander Paes to play in Mahesh Bhupathi's IPTL)
Winners of the inaugural IPTL in 2014, Indian Aces will be led by world no. 2 Nadal and Agnieszka Radwanska, along with teammates Gael Monfils, Ivan Dodig, Sania, Rohan Bopanna and Fabrice Santoro.
© AFP
Adding to the excitement in this unique team tennis competition, Japan will be the fifth country on the multi-nation IPTL tour. They will be called "Japan Warriors." Maria Sharapova will spearhead the team which will also have Leander Paes and Daniela Hantuchova.
Mahesh Bhupathi, who conceived the IPTL, 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 fifth Asian country led by their top star Kei Nishikori, proves that the league is on the right path."
The final player line-up for all 5 teams for IPTL 2015 is as follows:
Singapore Slammers: Novak Djokovic, Nick Kyrgios, Karolina Pliskova, Carlos Moya, Belinda Bencic, Thanasi Kokkinakis, Marcelo Melo
Manila Mavericks: Serena Williams, Jo-Wilfried Songa, Richard Gasquet, Sabine Lisicki, Mark Philippousis, Jarmila Gajdosova, Borna Coric, Treat Huey
UAE Royals: Roger Federer, Tomas Berdych, Ana Ivanovic, Goran Ivanisevic, Marin Cilic, Kristina Mladenovic, Daniel Nestor
Indian Aces: Rafael Nadal, Gael Monfils, Agnieszka Radwanska, Sania Mirza, Ivan Dodig, Fabrice Santoro, Rohan Bopanna
Japan Warriors: Maria Sharapova, Kei Nishikori, Vasek Pospisil, Leander Paes, Marat Safin, Daniela Hantuchova, Lucan Pouille, Kurumi Nara.