After captivating audiences in the UAE for three successful seasons, the World Tennis League (WTL), licensed and managed by Iconik Sports and Events Ltd., is poised to make its highly anticipated India debut. Scheduled from December 17–20, the four-day tournament will be hosted at the prestigious SM Krishna Tennis Stadium, owned and operated by the Karnataka State Lawn Tennis Association.
This inaugural India edition will uphold WTL’s legacy of top-tier competition, featuring an impressive roster of global tennis stars. Fans can look forward to witnessing Daniil Medvedev, Nick Kyrgios, Elena Rybakina, Paula Badosa, Rohan Bopanna, Gael Monfils, Arthur Fils, Sumit Nagal, Magda Linette, and Marta Kostyuk in action. Strengthening the event’s local appeal, the league has also included India’s standout performers—Yuki Bhambri, Ankita Raina, Shrivalli Bhamidipaty, Maaya Revathi, Dhakshineswar Suresh, and Shivika Burman—reflecting its commitment to nurturing the sport’s growth in the country.
With its distinctive team-based format and dynamic matchups, the World Tennis League has established itself as a marquee fixture in the global tennis calendar, renowned for its competitive intensity and broad fan engagement.
Speaking 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.”
Co-Founder of the World Tennis League and 12-time Grand Slam Champion Mahesh Bhupathi highlighted the significance of this edition, stating, “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.”
Krishnan Kannan, Managing Director of Iconik Sports and Events Ltd., underscored the broader vision behind bringing WTL to India. “At Iconik Sports and Events, our mission has always been to elevate India’s sporting landscape by bringing top-notch events that excite fans and create a tangible impact. WTL allows us to demonstrate India’s ability to host world-class tournaments while creating opportunities for our own athletes to play alongside international icons. We aim to deliver an experience which goes beyond sport, and showcase culture, entertainment, and community.”
The debut edition of the World Tennis League in India is poised to be a milestone moment for the country’s sporting ecosystem. With its mix of competitive excellence, global star power, and courtside entertainment, the tournament aims to ignite a new wave of enthusiasm for tennis nationwide. As Bengaluru prepares to welcome some of the world’s finest athletes this December, WTL promises not only to celebrate world-class sport but also to reinforce India’s position on the global sporting stage—encouraging fans and athletes alike to dream bigger.
