Sign of the times: the most innovative project in world tennis is an Indian invention. And it could take place in several Asian countries. Its name: IPTL. International Premier Tennis League. Four letters behind which hides a form of revolution: the creation of a professional tennis league, like the NBA, bringing together six franchises and based in Asia.
The idea was launched by Mahesh Bhupathi, an Indian player on the verge of retirement. Inspired by the success of the Indian cricket league, which for five years has brought together the best players in the world, this former world number 1 in doubles has imagined a system of matches played in five matches of a set, for a total duration of 3 hours, with teams comprising six to ten players. Each time, the program would consist of a succession of men's and women's singles, men's and mixed doubles, as well as a singles bringing together tennis legends, such as Andre Agassi, Pete Sampras and Pat Rafter.
Not an unimportant detail: the money would flow freely. The remuneration granted to players would be between 4 and 10 million dollars, or approximately 3,2 to 8 million euros. The players, classified into five categories according to their world ranking, their popularity or their potential, should be chosen by the franchises during auctions which will take place in January 2014, just before the Australian Open. The first edition of the IPTL could be held in November and December 2014.
Fake good idea or revolutionary project? Difficult to decide. In principle, the concept is not new. It resembles a brother to the World TeamTennis (WTT) project, a pro league launched in 1973, whose very relative impact has never exceeded the borders of the United States. But Mahesh Bhupathi is convinced: broadcasters will take the bait. Several television channels, approached by the Indian, have already booked his very favorable project.
The players say they are rather excited. Novak Djokovic calls it a “revolutionary” idea and says the IPTL could “help increase the popularity of tennis. » Rafael Nadal also applauded with both hands, admitting he was “excited at the prospect of playing in this new Asian league. »Andy Murray follows suit. “It’s fantastic,” assures Victoria Azarenka without nuance. As for Serena Williams, she says that “playing with these guys (tennis legends) would be a dream come true. " Nothing less. The main thing remains: finding a lasting place in an already overloaded schedule.
The end of the year today constitutes the only moment of rest, and therefore vacation, for players who are often quick to complain about the infernal pace of the circuit. Not sure that they will agree to give it up to go and hit the ball in Asia, in matches without a stake for their world ranking. Even for a few million dollars.
