Tennis
Rohan Bopanna on Tennis Premier League's 25-point format excitement
2024-12-06
The Tennis Premier League season 6 has brought a new level of excitement to the sport with its innovative 25-point system. Renowned Indian tennis player Rohan Bopanna believes this format has truly enhanced the game. Bopanna, a two-time Grand Slam winner, is currently competing in the league for the first time, representing the Rajasthan Rangers. He is actively involved in both the mixed doubles and men’s doubles categories.
Impressions of the Fast-Paced Format
After three days of intense tennis action at the Cricket Club of India in Mumbai, the Rajasthan Rangers find themselves in a strong position on the points table with 154 points, vying for a qualification spot in the finals. Bopanna expressed his enthusiasm for the 25-point format, stating, "It’s an exciting format and it keeps everybody on their toes since every point is crucial. I am having a lot of fun playing TPL." This fast-paced system adds an extra layer of thrill to each match, making every point count.The court at the Cricket Club of India holds a special place in Bopanna's career. He last played here in 2007 and is delighted to be back. "2007 was the last time I played in Mumbai, and I love playing here. I’ve made two ATP Finals on that very special court right there," he added.Reuniting with Leander Paes
At the Rajasthan Rangers, Bopanna is reunited with his former doubles partner, Leander Paes, who serves as a mentor for the team. Reflecting on this, Bopanna said, "He’s been my teammate for such a long period of time. It has been 30 years of playing this sport, I’ve gained a lot of experience, and he brings extra experience. So, it’s really a fun team to be with." The partnership between these two tennis legends adds another dimension to the team's performance.Spotlighting Young Talent
This season of the Tennis Premier League has seen a pool of talented young players taking the stage. Karan Singh of Hyderabad Strikers has particularly caught Bopanna's attention. He said, "I’ve been watching Karan, and I think he’s a great talent. We need a lot of encouragement not only from private sponsors but also from the federation to support a talent like that. It’s nice to see youngsters come out and play on the big stage." These young players are bringing fresh energy and potential to the league.Growth and Success of the League
Reflecting on the journey of the Tennis Premier League through the last five seasons and its growth in the sixth season, Bopanna mentioned, "It is growing every year, and I think that’s the beauty of a league like TPL. Kunal Thakkur and Mrunal Jain have done a fantastic job in reaching out to all the players. They get to compete against each other and have fun at the same time in a team competition. It’s beautiful." The league's continued success is a testament to the efforts of its organizers and the participation of talented players.