Bengaluru: After wowing audiences in the UAE for three seasons, the World Tennis League (WTL), licensed and managed by Iconik Sports and Events Ltd., will make its debut in India next month. The four-day tournament will be held in Bengaluru from December 17 to 20 and will be held at the prestigious SM Krishna Tennis Stadium, owned and operated by the Karnataka State Lawn Tennis Association.
This edition will continue WTL’s legacy of excellence and showcase a strong line-up of tennis talent including Daniil Medvedev, Nick Kyrgios, Elena Rybakina, Paula Badosa, Rohan Bopanna, Gael Monfils, Arthur Fils, Sumit Nagal, Magda Linette and Marta Kostyuk. With tennis on the rise in the country, WTL has also added India’s standout players like Yuki Bhambri, Ankita Raina, Shrivalli Bhamidipaty, Maaya Revathi, Dhakshineswar Suresh and Shivika Burman to the mix. This move will drive the growth of the sport in India and delight tennis fans across the country.
With its unique team format and high-profile competition, the World Tennis League has established itself as a standout event in the tennis calendar and continues to attract the attention of players and fans around the world.
Speaking about her first appearance in India, World No. 5 Elena Rybakina said: “I have heard so much about the tennis culture in India and I am very excited to make my debut here at WTL. The league has an exciting format and I am ready to enjoy every moment on the court with my team.”
Speaking about the historic edition, Mahesh Bhupathi, 12-time Grand Slam champion and co-founder of the World Tennis League, said: “India has always had a deep and enduring connection with tennis, and the arrival of the WTL here is an opportunity to strengthen that bond. As someone who has lived the sport, I believe this format highlights the fast-paced, dynamic and addictive side of the competition. When international champions share the court with India’s top talent, we hope to inspire the next generation of players.” Present tennis as a sport that is intense, global and full of opportunity.”
Highlighting the importance of this edition to India’s sports ecosystem, Krishnan Kannan, Managing Director, Iconik Sports and Events Ltd. said, “At Iconik Sports and Events, our mission has always been to elevate India’s sporting landscape by delivering world-class events that delight fans and create a tangible impact. WTL allows us to showcase India’s ability to host world-class tournaments while creating opportunities for our own athletes to play alongside international icons. Our aim is to create an experience to offer something that goes beyond sport.” and showcasing culture, entertainment and community.”
The debut edition of the World Tennis League in India promises to be a groundbreaking event, uniting a diverse audience through the universal language of sport. With a perfect blend of competitiveness, star power and courtside entertainment, WTL aims to ignite a new passion for tennis across the country. As the eyes of the world turn to Bengaluru this December, the tournament will not only celebrate sportsmanship but also strengthen India’s position on the global sports map and inspire fans and athletes to dream bigger.
