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The ambitious Champions Tennis League (CTL) suffered a major setback when World No.10 David Ferrer pulled out of the event on Monday, citing "health issues".
Had he played for the Punjab Marshalls franchise, Ferrer would have been the highest-ranked men's player in the League beginning November 17.
"I am sorry to tell my fans in India and in Punjab that I will not be able to play the Champions Tennis League in India,” the Spaniard said in a statement.
"Over the last six weeks, my tournament schedule has been hectic and because of the many games I've played, a serious inflammation in the lower back has appeared. This prevents me from being able to compete at 100 percent. This injury will not allow me to perform to the best of my ability as I feel pain in my back and I need 10 to 15 days to recover. I was very excited to play for the Punjab Marshalls but unfortunately this year is impossible. I hope I can come to India next year and be a part of the League."
CTL founder and former player Vijay Amritraj said of the withdrawal, “This is a sad day for the Champions Tennis League. David Ferrer is a great player and to not have him come and play for his team, the Punjab Marshalls, is a big blow to both the Marshalls as well as to us at CTL."
"His injury is hopefully a minor one, but we wish him a speedy recovery. Obviously the challenge is to now find someone who will be a suitable replacement for David, who will bring charisma and personality along with world class tennis skills to the Punjab Marshalls in their attempt to win the inaugural CTL," he added.
'CTL will help promote tennis in India'
For a country like India that is deprived of top class tennis action due to lack of top-tier tournaments, the Champions Tennis League (CTL) will be great for the sport, says former World No 1 Jelena Jankovic.
The 29-year-old Serbian singles star, ranked 14, will play for Delhi Dreams in the six-team league beginning November 17 in New Delhi at the DLTA Complex.
India hosts only one ATP 250 tournament -- Chennai Open -- at the beginning of the season and it was way back in 2008 when the country hosted a top WTA event.
"I think the league will help promote tennis in India. There were some tournaments in India several years ago. I was in Bangalore in 2008. It is nice to have a league and get top players playing. I think the standard is great. We have a lot of big names, great champions from the past and now (present)," Jelena told PTI.
"I think, it's fun and exciting to play in that part of the world. It's a different format. I have never played something like that. I have played Fed Cup, which is different. I am really looking forward to playing in that kind of competition in front of the Indian fans," she said.
The Delhi team, also featuring South African Kevin Anderson, Juan Carlos Ferrero and India's Sanam Singh, is co-owned by Bollywood actor Ajay Devgan and businessman Sanjeev Kassal.
Jelena, who became World No 1 in 2008 after reaching the US Open final, said there should be no doubt about the approach of the players in the league.
"I don't think that's the case. I think the players will give their best and it will be a great competition," she asserted.
Talking about Sania Mirza, whom the Serbian beat in all five meetings on the WTA tour, Jelena said the Indian made a good decision last year by restricting herself to doubles only.
Jelena said Sania could have fared better in singles had she not suffered those injuries when she was in her prime.
"She is a great player and Sania has promoted tennis in India very well. In the past I have played against her in the singles and she was good. I think she could have done better (without injuries) but that's the way it is. And, I think, it was a great decision because she is very successful in doubles now. It was up to her," she said.