Every Point Matters in This Format, Bopanna Shares His Thoughts on TPL Debut
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Mumbai, Dec 6 (NationPress) With a professional journey exceeding two decades, Rohan Bopanna has experienced various tennis formats, yet he finds the Tennis Premier League to be particularly thrilling as it demands constant focus from players.
This season marks Bopanna's inaugural appearance in TPL Season 6, and he expressed his enthusiasm for the dynamic 25-point format. “It's a thrilling format that keeps everyone engaged since every point counts. I'm truly enjoying my time in TPL,” he remarked.
The Indian tennis icon is among the headline players in TPL Season 6 and competes for the Rajasthan Rangers, participating in both Mixed Doubles and Men’s Doubles categories.
After three days of competitive tennis at the Cricket Club of India (CCI) in Mumbai, his team ranks third on the leaderboard with 154 points, positioning themselves well for a chance to qualify for the finals.
The two-time Grand Slam champion reminisced about playing in Mumbai after a long hiatus, returning to a court that holds significant memories in his career. “The last time I played in Mumbai was in 2007, and I truly enjoy competing here. I've participated in two ATP Finals on that very special court,” Bopanna expressed with joy.
At Rajasthan Rangers, the 44-year-old Bopanna has rejoined his former doubles partner, Leander Paes, who serves as a mentor for the team. In discussing the opportunity to collaborate with Paes again, Bopanna stated, “He has been my teammate for a long time. After 30 years in this sport, I've gained substantial experience, and he adds additional insights. It's a fantastic team to be part of.”
The TPL showcases a roster of promising young talents this season, and Bopanna is thrilled to witness them performing on a prominent stage.
One standout player for Bopanna has been 21-year-old Karan Singh from Hyderabad Strikers. “I’ve been observing Karan, and I believe he’s a remarkable talent. We need significant support from both private sponsors and the federation to nurture such talent. It’s wonderful to see young players emerging and competing at this level,” he noted.
Bopanna reflected on the league's evolution over the past five seasons, noting its increasing prestige in this sixth season.
“It grows more impressive each year, and that’s the beauty of a league like TPL. Kunal Thakkur and Mrunal Jain have done an excellent job connecting with all players, allowing them to compete against one another while having fun in a team setting. It’s truly delightful,” Bopanna concluded.
