Retired Moroccan tennis player Younes El Aynaoui does not see the International Premier Tennis League (IPTL) overshadowing the sport’s current set-up, and foresees interesting match-ups.
The IPTL, created by Indian doubles star Mahesh Bhupathi, is being advertised by organisers as a “revolutionary” concept in modern tennis as they attempt to form a professional league based on cricket’s highly-successful IPL.
Four teams based in four cities – Singapore, New Delhi, Manila and Dubai – will compete against each other in an altered format and megastars like Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic, Serena Williams, Maria Sharapova, Pete Sampras and Andre Agassi have all signed up.
Organisers say it is not an exhibition league, insisting it will be competitive as teams fight for the $1million (Dh3.67m) prize pot.
“Players want to win Wimbledon, they want to win Davis Cup, that’s where they’ll give all their best,” El Aynaoui told Sport360°.
“But look, they have the best players in the world and I’m sure that every time they compete they want to give their best. We’re going to see some good matches.”
The first season, which will kick off in Manila on November 28 and conclude in Dubai on December 13, features just four teams but Bhupathi says more teams will be added in future editions.
“I think the teams are looking great but what if another city wants to make another team? There’s no more players. Within four teams you have all the best players,” added El Aynaoui, who ranked as high as No14 in the world.
