Rybakina and Bopanna to headline WTL’s India debut

After three seasons in the UAE, the World Tennis League (WTL) is set to make its India debut next month. Slated for December 17-20 in Bengaluru, the four-day tournament will find its home at the SM Krishna Tennis Stadium, owned and operated by the Karnataka State Lawn Tennis Association.

This edition will continue WTL’s legacy of excellence, featuring a strong lineup of tennis talent, including Daniil Medvedev, Nick Kyrgios, Elena Rybakina, Paula Badosa, Rohan Bopanna, Gael Monfils, Arthur Fils, Sumit Nagal, Magda Linette and Marta Kostyuk.

With tennis on the rise in the country, WTL has also added India’s standout performers like Yuki Bhambri, Ankita Raina, Shrivalli Bhamidipaty, Maaya Revathi, Dhakshineswar Suresh and Shivika Burman to the mix.

With its unique team format and high-level competition, the World Tennis League has established itself as a prominent event in the tennis calendar and continues to attract attention from both players and fans worldwide.

Talking about her first appearance in India, World No. 5 Elena Rybakina said, “I’ve heard so much about the tennis culture in India, and I’m thrilled to make my debut here with WTL. The league has an exciting format, and I’m ready to enjoy every moment on the court with my team.”

Speaking on the historic edition, 12-time Grand Slam Champion and co-founder, World Tennis League, Mahesh Bhupathi said, “India has always shared a deep and lasting connection with tennis, and the WTL’s arrival here is an opportunity to strengthen that bond. As someone who has lived the sport, I believe this format brings out the fast, dynamic, and engaging side of the competition. With international champions sharing the court with India’s top talent, we hope to inspire the next generation of players and showcase tennis as a sport that is intense, global, and full of possibility.”

The debut edition of the World Tennis League in India promises to be a landmark event, uniting diverse audiences through the universal language of sport.

As the world’s eyes turn to Bengaluru this December, the tournament will not only celebrate athleticism but also reinforce India’s position on the global sporting map, inspiring fans and athletes to dream bigger.

Alcaraz pulls out of Davis Cup: Spain’s world number one Carlos Alcaraz will miss the Davis Cup Final 8 tournament in Italy this week due to injury, the two-time Wimbledon champion posted on X on Tuesday.

“I am very sorry to announce that I will not be able to play with Spain in the Davis Cup in Bologna. I have swelling in my right hamstring and the medical advice is not to play,” the 22-year-old six-time Grand Slam winner said.

“I’ve always said that playing for Spain is the greatest thing there is and I was really looking forward to helping the team fight for the Davis Cup trophy.”

Alcaraz’s announcement comes two days after he lost to arch rival Jannik Sinner, the Italian world number two, 7-6 (7/4), 7-5 in the ATP Finals title-decider in Turin. Sinner had already announced he would miss the tournament, with hosts Italy aiming for a third title in a row.

Agencies