Dubai: Indian Test cricket captain Virat Kohli is convinced the new-look UAE Royals can go on to win the second edition of the International Premier Tennis League (IPTL) later this year.
Runners-up to the Indian Aces in the inaugural season last year, the UAE Royals have this time roped in Roger Federer and Tomas Berdych along with Daniel Nestor, Ana Ivanovic, Kristina Mladenovic and Goran Ivanisevic. Team India director Ravi Shastri will assume the duties of chief advisor.
Kohli was on Thursday announced as one of the co-owners, joining Neelesh Bhatnagar, Sachin Gadoya, Rahul Saharia and Praveen Bhatnagar.
“Roger Federer is the only reason why I agreed to be part of this team. On paper, we are looking like the team to beat and I certainly feel we can lift the trophy this year,” Kohli told media at the formal announcement of the UAE Royals squad on Thursday.
“I have watched some videos of the first season and I can see how these players have been loving this unique concept. This league looks like a lot of fun, where people from an individual sport can get to celebrate a team sport.”
The second edition of the IPTL will get under way in Japan on December 2 and the final between the top two teams will be held in Singapore on December 20. During the course of the three weeks, the league will also make stops in the Philippines (December 6-8), India (December 10-12) and Dubai (December 14-16).
The IPTL has expanded to five teams this year thanks to the entry of the Japan Warriors, who join the Aces, Royals, Philippine Mavericks and Singapore Slammers.
One of the highlights of the Dubai leg — which this year has been moved from the Hamdan Sports Complex to the Dubai Aviation Club tennis stadium — will be a feature match between Federer and Novak Djokovic, who has moved from the Royals to the Slammers.
“Joining the IPTL has been a bold move for us. In the second year and we have Virat Kohli as a co-owner and Roger Federer as a part of our team. Dubai is fast emerging as the sporting capital of the world,” Emax CEO Neelesh Bhatnagar said.
“It will be Djokovic versus Federer in Dubai on December 15 and we hope to see people turning up at the Aviation Club.”
Despite his busy schedule, Kohli is confident he can make time and visit Dubai in December to cheer his new team along.
“I can certainly pass on some positive energy to the players. I love coming to Dubai as it is one of my favourite cities. Hopefully, my presence can boost the team towards the title,” he said.
Mahesh Bhupathi, IPTL Founder and Managing Director, was convinced about the long-term success of IPTL. “Fans around the world have embraced the IPTL, and with Federer joining the UAE Royals we are confident tennis fans here will turn up in huge numbers to support their team,” Bhupathi said.
