IPTL direct rub-off from IPL: Leander Paes

After Sania Mirza and Rohan Bopanna, doubles legend Leander Paes became the third Indian to play in the Internat-ional Premier Tennis League. It added more local flavour to the event and increased interest among home fans. The 17-time Grand Slam winner was happy about tennis leagues starting in the country, saying it would the game here.

“Without a doubt, the IPTL contributes to the game in India because it showcases tennis with the top players of the world. Today Rafa (Nadal), in two days there will be (Roger) Federer playing in our country, which is starved of watching quality tennis. These players’ presence will motivate young kids to take up the sport, no doubt,” the Olympian said.

“The IPTL is a direct rub off from the Indian Premier League and if you see the way the IPL has transformed cricket in India and in the world. IPTL will do so for tennis.”

Paes, who played in the Champions Tennis League last year, said there was hardly any difference in both leagues when it came to formats.

“The leagues have some similarities in terms of the scoring and also the format is same... In the IPTL the one thing that threw me off in Kobe (Japan) is that they did not have a buzzer so the 20-second rule means everyone was rushing and I used to lose my rhythm but I am getting used to the format.”

The 42-year-old denied that exhibition matches are just for fun.

“I have learnt to adapt because this type of event there is normally one big showcourt and the stands are packed, I love playing in that environment. Just put me on the showcourt it’s like lights, camera and action and I am ready to showcase my talent.”

Paes, who was roped in to play for Japan Warriors in the second edition of the IPTL, was hopeful of returning to the Indian Aces next year. He has already signed a two-year contract with the league.