The World Tennis League will stage its first-ever India edition in Bengaluru from December 17 to 20, bringing its mixed-gender, team-based exhibition format to the SM Krishna Tennis Stadium after three seasons in the UAE.
The move signals a strategic shift for the property as it steps into one of Asia’s most engaged tennis markets and positions itself within India’s fast-expanding sports entertainment ecosystem.
The India launch is licensed by Iconik Sports and Events, led by Mahesh Bhupathi and Krishnan Kannan. For Bhupathi, who co-founded the league, the Bengaluru expansion is intended to deepen India’s connection with global tennis while showcasing a modern, entertainment-led event model. The organisers are packaging the tournament with fan-zone experiences, music, and youth-facing activations that parallel trends seen across Formula 1, IPL fan parks, and UAE-based sportainment properties.
The competition will feature four teams playing a round-robin across men’s singles, women’s singles, and two doubles matches per tie, with the top two advancing to the final. This structure is part of the WTL’s appeal, creating quick-paced matchups and uncommon player pairings that have generated strong streaming engagement in previous editions.
The 2025 player lineup is headlined by major winners and global crowd-pullers. Daniil Medvedev returns to the league fresh off consistent top-five finishes and recent deep Grand Slam runs. Elena Rybakina arrives in India as one of the most in-form players on the WTA circuit, collecting titles across hard courts and grass this year. Nick Kyrgios, Paula Badosa, and Gael Monfils add established star power, while rising names such as Arthur Fils and Marta Kostyuk bring competitive edge and youth appeal.
Indian participation is more extensive than in previous seasons. Rohan Bopanna, who recently retired from the ATP Tour after a top-10 doubles finish, joins the field alongside Sumit Nagal, currently enjoying one of the strongest phases of his career with wins against top-30 opponents. Yuki Bhambri, Ankita Raina, Shrivalli Bhamidipaty, Maaya Revathi, Dhakshineswar Suresh, and Sahaja Yamalapalli complete a robust domestic presence.
Co-Founder of the World Tennis League and 12-time Grand Slam Champion Mahesh Bhupathi highlighted the significance of this edition and said, “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 and added, “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.”
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.”
The SM Krishna Tennis Stadium has undergone significant upgrades ahead of the tournament. Improved locker rooms, athlete recovery zones, expanded VIP hospitality, and enhanced broadcast infrastructure were completed this year. The Karnataka State Lawn Tennis Association intends to use the renovation to bid for more international events, leveraging Bengaluru’s track record of hosting ATP Challenger tournaments and marquee badminton competitions.
The timing also works in favour of the Indian sports industry. With the December window sitting between the end of the badminton season and the buildup to the IPL auction cycle, WTL enters a relatively uncluttered part of the calendar, giving brands and broadcasters room for deeper storytelling and shoulder programming.
Fan turnout is expected to be strong, driven by Bengaluru’s established tennis culture, the presence of top-five global stars, and the homecoming narrative around Bopanna. The league will reveal teams, entertainment acts, and ticketing tiers in the coming weeks as India prepares to host its newest international sports entertainment property.
This edition positions Bengaluru as a long-term destination for the World Tennis League and provides Indian athletes and fans with a rare December showcase of elite tennis mixed with festival-style engagement.
