Federer to lead Indian franchise of IPTL

Seventeen-time Grand Slam champion Roger Federer will spearhead the country's franchise - Indian Aces - owned by consumer electronics company Micromax in the inaugural edition of the International Premier Tennis League (IPTL), it was announced here Monday.

It was also announced that one of the greats of the sport, Rafael Nadal, who was to represent the Indian franchise, will not play in the Nov 28 to Dec 13 tournament due to injury and the need for rehab time during the off season.

Marquee player Federer, 14-time Major champion Pete Sampras, Gael Monfils, Ana Ivanovic, Sania Mirza, Rohan Bopanna and Fabrice Santoro will make up the Indian squad.

The organisers also made another important announcement that the India leg will be held in New Delhi and not Mumbai, as was decided earlier. The India leg will be held Dec 6-8. Manila, Singapore, and Dubai are the other cities where the tournament will be played.

"I take this opportunity to welcome Micromax to the IPTL family as owners of the India franchise. I believe the time for innovation in tennis has come. This December, New Delhi will witness tennis action like never before - one that will change the way people enjoy the sport," said founder of the IPTL Mahesh Bhupathi.

"As a tennis fan, I am excited to see Roger and Pete play for the same team - it's unprecedented! Indian sports fans are in for a real treat."