Bengaluru welcomes 4th World Tennis League action

The fourth edition of the World Tennis League (WTL), in Bengaluru on Wednesday, is shaping up to be a valuable learning platform for Indian tennis players, offering them close interaction with some of the biggest names in the global game.

Indian players Sumit Nagal, D Suresh, Ankita Raina and Sahaja Yamalapalli are expected to benefit from the high-quality match exposure and off-court exchanges with elite international stars. Young prospects Shrivalli Bhamdipaty and Maaya Rajeshwaran Revathi will also view the tournament as an important learning phase ahead of the new season, gaining insights into fitness, shot selection and match temperament.

Headlining the event is former world No 1 Daniil Medvedev , currently ranked 13, whose presence alone adds significant value to the league. He will be joined by Denis Shapovalov, Gael Monfils and Nick Kyrgios , bringing contrasting styles and vast experience to the courts in Bengaluru.

Kyrgios, currently ranked 652 due to prolonged injury layoffs and surgery that sidelined him through much of 2023 and 2024, remains one of the most talked-about names in the tournament. With limited appearances this year and an expressed ambition to return at the Australian Open 2026, the league will serve as an important test of his readiness. A glimpse of his trademark shot-making would be a major draw for fans.

The women’s competition is led by Elina Svitolina, Paula Badosa and Marta Kostyuk , all of whom have been consistent performers at the highest level of the sport. Their presence offers Indian women players a chance to observe elite movement, baseline consistency and mental strength up close.

The four-team tournament Hawks, Falcons, Kites and Eagles features squads made up of two men and two women each. It will follow a round robin format, with each tie consisting of four sets. Teams earn one point for every game won, and if the fourth set winner trails overall, the contest moves into overtime. A first-to-10 super shootout will decide ties when game scores are level after four sets.

The top two teams will progress to Saturday’s final, bringing the curtain down on an event that promises competitive tennis and meaningful learning opportunities for India’s emerging and established players alike.