Roger Federer to set the court ablaze at the IPTL

Roger Federer following his victory at the Cincinnati Masters earlier this month

When you think about tennis, one name always springs to everybody’s mind - Roger Federer.

The former World No 1, who has beaten almost every one he faces on court, will soon be seen in the International Premier Tennis League. With a track record like none other, the stalwart will be playing for the UAE Royals, along with other famed tennis players like US Open champion Marin Cilic; the talented Tomas Berdych; and Grand Slam winner, Goran Ivanisevic.

Ana Ivanovic, who returns to the International Premier Tennis League after changing teams, and Kristina Mladenovic, a Grand Slam mixed doubles champion with teammate Daniel Nestor, are the female players to watch for.

Some of the brightest stars in the tennis universe will converge successively in each of the event’s four locations – the Phillippines, Singapore, India and the UAE, to compete against each other, giving audiences the opportunity to see tennis’ greatest in action.

Apart from Federer, modern-day legends of the game such as Serena Williams, Maria Sharapova, Sania Mirza, Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal will be among several others fighting it out at the tournament. Nadal, once Federer’s biggest nemesis, will captain the Indian Aces.

The IPTL is an arena for budding players and experienced veterans to share their passion and knowledge for the game. Such a scenario is perfect for a player of Federer's stature. With a team that can win the league, there is no doubt that they will be a strong force.

Apart from this, Roger Federer had a brisk season at last year’s IPTL. The Swiss maestro led his side, the Indian Aces, to victory in the finals, turning in a performance worthy of acclaim. His match with longtime nemesis Novak Djokovic was considered as good as any Grand Slam encounter between the pair.

The Indian Aces finished with 39 points, beating the UAE Royals by two points.

This time, the tables have turned, and he will now play for his one-time opponents. He is expected to bring his A-game and decimate opponents on the court as he always does. With other players like Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic, Federer will have his work cut out for him, but he has never shied away from a challenge! Apart from that, he will have to alter his playing style to suit that of Nadal and Djokovic, both of whom are known to be fiercely aggressive players.

However, with his vast experience, these will be minor problems for him. He will also be able to teach a thing or two to many of the youngsters at the IPTL.

We're looking forward to seeing him step on the court and amaze us with a wondrous performance.

Tickets to the tournament can be purchased here.