TENNIS PREMIER LEAGUE (TPL) is gearing up for its seventh season, scheduled to take place from 9 to 14 December at the Gujarat University Tennis Stadium in Ahmedabad. Ahead of the much-anticipated player auction on 9 October in Mumbai, the eight franchises are preparing to shape their squads around an impressive line-up of marquee players.
Supported by Indian tennis legends Leander Paes, Sania Mirza, and Mahesh Bhupathi (CEO – SG Pipers), along with Bollywood stars Rakul Preet Singh and Sonali Bendre Behl, TPL continues to strengthen its reputation by merging sport, entertainment, and global talent.
The eight franchises competing are: GS Delhi Aces, SG Pipers Bengaluru, Gurgaon Grand Slammers, Chennai Smashers, Yash Mumbai Eagles, Hyderabad Strikers, Gujarat Panthers, and Rajasthan Rangers.
India’s doubles icon and two-time Grand Slam champion Rohan Bopanna, who made his TPL debut last year, will once again represent SG Pipers Bengaluru. The 45-year-old veteran, who holds the distinction of being the oldest player to win both a Grand Slam and an ATP Masters 1000 title, continues to exemplify the league’s vision.
Joining him this season is Italy’s Luciano Darderi (World No. 29) who will play for the Rajasthan Rangers. France’s Corentin Moutet (World No. 38) will represent the Gurgaon Grand Slammers, while Alexandre Muller (World No. 39) and Arthur Rinderknech (World No. 54) will bolster the squads of the Gujarat Panthers and Hyderabad Strikers respectively. The international roster also features Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Damir Džumhur (World No. 67) leading the Yash Mumbai Eagles, Argentina’s Tomás Martín Etcheverry (World No. 58) turning out for GS Delhi Aces, and rising Czech talent Dalibor Svrčina (World No. 91) joining the Chennai Smashers.
TPL co-founder Kunal Thakkur said, “This year we have some of the world’s best names like Luciano Darderi, Corentin Moutet and Alexandre Muller alongside our very own Grand Slam champion Rohan Bopanna. Having athletes of this calibre associated with the league not only raises the level of competition but also inspires the next generation of Indian tennis players.”
TPL co-founder Mrunal Jain added, “The line-up this year reflects the global appeal of TPL, as we have top international stars competing for Indian franchises. Their presence, combined with the passion and skill of Indian players, ensures fans are in for the most competitive and entertaining season yet.”
Paes shared, “Tennis Premier League has grown into one of India’s finest sporting properties, and Season 7 promises to be the most exciting chapter yet. With world-class marquee players competing alongside India’s top stars, fans can look forward to electrifying tennis in a truly engaging, spectator-friendly format. I am especially looking forward to the auction to see how the teams shape up this year.”
