World Tennis League Shines in India with Star-Studded Matches
Star-Studded India Debut
The World Tennis League (WTL) made a spectacular debut in India on Wednesday, showcasing top-tier entertainment as renowned tennis players took to the court. Fans in Bengaluru witnessed the remarkable skills of Gael Monfils, Nick Kyrgios' impressive 'tweener' shots, Denis Shapovalov's dynamic play, and Elina Svitolina's fierce determination, according to a statement from the WTL.
Day 1 Match Results
The opening day of the 2025 edition kicked off with VB Realty Hawks narrowly defeating Aussie Mavericks Kites 25-21, while AOS Eagles concluded the day's matches with an 18-16 victory over Game Changers Falcons. By the end of Day 1, the Hawks topped the leaderboard with 25 points.
Match 1: VB Realty Hawks vs Aussie Mavericks Kites
In the first match, Svitolina displayed her tenacity, rallying from a 2-5 deficit to secure a 7-5 win against Marta Kostyuk, setting a positive tone for the Hawks. She then partnered with 16-year-old Maaya Rajeswaran Revathi to defeat Kostyuk and Ankita Raina with the same score.
The Kites fought back in the men's doubles, where Nick Kyrgios and Suresh delivered a serving clinic, winning 6-4 against Shapovalov and Bhambri. Kyrgios captivated the audience with his entertaining style, mixing skillful shots with playful antics. However, Shapovalov managed to clinch the singles match, edging out Suresh 7-5 to keep his team in contention.
"I've participated in this event several times, and it's always a joy to play in front of such enthusiastic fans around the world. It's a lot of fun," Kyrgios remarked, praising his young partner Suresh for his impressive performance. "He has a bright future ahead, reminiscent of my early days with a powerful serve and experience in team events from college tennis."
Match 2: AOS Eagles vs Game Changer Falcons
The highlight of the second match featured Rohan Bopanna facing off against Sumit Nagal. While Nagal and Paula Badosa triumphed in the mixed doubles with a 6-1 score, Bopanna responded with a 6-2 victory in doubles alongside Medvedev against Nagal and Monfils.
A notable moment occurred during the mixed doubles when Nagal accidentally hit Bopanna in the chest during a net exchange, but both players shared a laugh and continued the match.
Magda Linette initially put the Falcons ahead by defeating Paula Badosa 6-4 in the first set. After a series of competitive doubles matches, Monfils showcased his skills by defeating Medvedev 6-3 in the marquee singles match, delighting the crowd with his celebratory dance.
WTL Tournament Format
The WTL is a mixed-team tournament held just before the new season, allowing players to refine their skills without the pressure of regular tour events. This year, four franchises are competing, each playing against one another in a round-robin format, with the top two teams advancing to the finals. Each tie consists of four sets: men's singles, women's singles, men's doubles, and women's/mixed doubles. The winner is determined by the total number of games won, with each game contributing one point.
The matches are played at a fast pace, with each match lasting one set, making every game crucial, and a golden point rule applied at deuce, ensuring thrilling viewing experiences.
Final Score
Final Score: VB Realty Hawks vs Aussie Mavericks Kites: 25 - 21; AOS Eagles vs Game Changer Falcons: 18 - 16.