Picture Credit: Twitter
2022 Wimbledon champion Novak Djokovic and 2022 French Open winner Iga Swiatek are set to headline the upcoming inaugural World Tennis League, which is scheduled from 19-24 December in Dubai. The matches in the World Tennis League will follow a two-set format in both singles and mixed doubles categories, with a 10-point tie-breaker deciding the winner of the final.
Along with stars like Djokovic and Swiatek, Alexander Zverev and Nick Kyrgios in men’s singles and Simona Halep and the 2022 women’s Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina, in women’s singles are the other big name top names in the event. A total of 16 players will be divided into four teams. The tournament will be played in a round robin format.
The top two teams will then meet in the final. The tournament has found a great place in the tennis calendar as most top players traditionally don’t compete in this period as it falls during the holidays. The first Grand Slam event of 2023 will be the Australian Open which is scheduled from 16 to 29 January.
Chairman of the World Tennis League Rajesh Banga also opened up about the tournament and described it as a spectacular combination of sports and entertainment which will kick start a new era in tennis. He said, “The World Tennis League will be an event like no other. It brings a unique and engaging new format to the game of tennis, offering a spectacular mix of sport and entertainment together. We can't wait to welcome fans from around the globe for this momentous event that hails a new era for tennis."
Iga Swiatek is also extremely excited about the tournament as this event would help tennis reach a new audience. She said, "I like it most when tennis connects people and when it's true entertainment. When it's combined with a great show and music, it's even better, so that's the reason why I'm excited to join this year's World Tennis League. I'm happy that together with other top players we'll introduce tennis as fun to new audiences. I can't wait!"