AITA to launch IPL-style Indian Tennis League

MUMBAI: Inspired by the popularity and commercial success of the Indian Premier League, All India Tennis Association (AITA) is launching the Indian Tennis League (ITL) this December in five cities across the nation.

Corporate sponsorship is sought to develop and promote city-based franchises and tennis matches will be played home and away on a team format. Former Grand Slam winners, Indian internationals men and women (names to be announced later) will be attached to tennis franchises.

Competitions will involve two singles (men/women) and three doubles matches (men/women/mixed). Twenty-five ties and one final will be played over two weeks and telecast on television. Ivan Brixi, president of Golazo Asia, a sports marketing firm, will be associated with the project.

He was formerly with Octagon Asia and is experienced in holding major tennis tournaments in Asia. S P Misra, current Davis Cup captain, referred to former stars such as Pete Sampras, Andre Agassi, Gustavo Kuerten, Steffi Graf and Martina Hingis as possibilities to fill in the international player slots.