PUNE: Season 5 of Tennis Premier League (TPL), powered by Clear, is all set to kick off on Tuesday, 12 December at the Pune’s Balewadi Stadium and promises a spectacle of top-tier tennis action.
TPL Season 5 will also feature a charcoal-coloured court in all the matches for the first-time ever in India, as the league continues to innovate to add to the experience of spectators.
In season 5, a whole new level of glamour has been added as Bollywood stars and former champions of Indian tennis have extended their support to various teams’ in the league.
The Bengal Wizards, co-owned by Yatin Gupte, and the legendary Leander Paes, are poised to make a splash in their first-ever season of the TPL.
Meanwhile, last year’s champions, the Hyderabad Strikers, co-owned by Rajdeep Dalmia, and Rakul Preet Singh, are determined to defend their title and clinch a historic three-peat.
On home turf, the Pune Jaguars, co-owned by Punit Balan and Sonali Bendre, are ready to roar. Bendre’s star power and Balan’s strategic leadership will undoubtedly energize the team and their fanbase.
The Punjab Patriots, co-owned World of Krida and Taapsee Pannu, are leveraging their experience from their inaugural season to become fierce competitors this year.
Delhi Binny’s Brigade owned by Sneh Patel with Malaika Arora as their brand ambassador are poised for a breakout season. Patel’s commitment and Arora’s star power has contributed in them building a talented roster that are strong ingredients for victory.
The Gujarat Panthers, owned by Ramku Patgir and backed by the energy of Arjun Kapoor, are ready to pounce on their opponents.
The Mumbai Leon Army, owned by Shyam Patel and motivated by their brand ambassador Sonu Sood, aims to improve on their second-place finish from last season.
Finally, the Bengaluru SG Mavericks, owned by Sanjay Gupta, are hoping to ride the star power of their brand ambassador, Sania Mirza. Mirza’s expertise and Gupta’s leadership create a strong foundation for the Mavericks to make a significant impact in the league.
The latest edition promises to be a spectacle, with a whole host of national and international stars gracing the court. Leading the charge for the Gujarat Panther will be AITA rank No 1 Sumit Nagal. Joining him will be the Hangzhou 2022 Asian Games silver medal-winning duo of Ramkumar Ramanathan, who will don the jersey of the Bengaluru SG Mavericks in season 5, and his Asian Games medal-winning partner Saketh Myneni, will look to enthrall audiences with his displays for the Hyderabad Strikers. Adding to the Indian contingent will be the Hangzhou 2022 Asian Games gold medallist Rutuja Bhosale, whose exceptional skills and tenacity are sure to inspire her team, the Pune Jaguars, in the latest edition of the league.
These homegrown heroes will be joined by global icons whose names are synonymous with tennis excellence. Former world No. 10 Ernests Gulbis, known for his aggressive style and powerful forehand, will be a formidable force for the Mumbai Leon Army. Alongside him will be the former world No. 26 Lukas Rosol, whose experience and composure on the court are sure to provide a thrilling spectacle as he dons the jersey of the Pune Jaguars. Swiss star Conny Perrin (WTA Rank 120) will lead the charge for the Punjab Patriots along with Indian Davis Cup member, Digvijay Pratap Singh and local lad Arjun Khade.
Season 5 will further build on the legacy of the previous four seasons, which have seen the TPL emerge as a cornerstone of Indian tennis. The league has not only provided a platform for established players to excel but also unearthed new talent, fostered passion for the sport, and made tennis more accessible to Indian audiences.
Tennis Premier League Season 5 will be telecast LIVE on Sony Ten 2 SD and HD from December 12-17, 2023 starting from 4 pm IST.
