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Why Tennis Superstars Are Bucking ATP and WTA Establishment to Play in IPTL
Published: December 2, 2014
By doing so they are adding credibility to the new league and causing controversy with the established ATP and WTA tours.
While their presence has excited fans throughout Asia, the superstars appear to be at odds with ATP and WTA officials. Leaders from the two tours seem a little leery about having their biggest names turning the short offseason into a second season.
Yet, judging from the response from fans and the reaction from players, it appears the IPTL may be around for a while. Why not? The league has tapped into something the ATP and WTA seem to ignore: How to entertain the casual tennis fan.
The IPTL matches feature dancers, a DJ, a shot-clock for serves and no add games. Fans in Manila, the first stop among the four venues, were treated to Murray and Sharapova playing mixed doubles and Gael Monfils leading a team dance.
"With the kind of high we started off in Manila we can safely say that we're off to a good start," IPTL managing director Mahesh Bhupathi told the Times of India.
The emergence of the IPTL has caused quite a stir. Die-hard tennis fans, skeptical at first, are enjoying seeing their favorites during a time when they would otherwise be going through tennis withdrawal. Casual fans, those who tune in just to see the big names, are seeing several stars on the court at the same time.
Meanwhile, the players and ATP and WTA officials seem to have flip-flopped on length of season issues. The biggest beef the officials seem to have is the post-season wear and tear this might cause players.
Players have long complained about long seasons. However, with little time off, all of a sudden they ...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Tennis
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