As a new and unique brand of tennis makes its debut in the country with a mix of Indian and international stars, veteran Leander Paes says the Champions Tennis League, for him, is about building bonds and new friendships.
The league, conceptualised by Vijay Amritraj, will commence on Monday with a double-header in New Delhi and in Hyderabad.
"It's a unique format, men and women coming together. For me it's about friendship," the 14-time Grand Slam winner Paes, said on Monday.
"After 10 years I will be finally playing doubles with Somdev,” he added.
Paes and Somdev will play alongside Canadian veteran Greg Rusedski and Spanish Garbine Muguruza for Punjab Marshalls.
Punjab Marshalls will play their campaign opener against Delhi Dreams, led by former French Open winner Juan Carlos Ferrero. Former World No 1, Serbian Jelena Jankovic, South African Kevin Anderson and India’s Sanam Singh round-off the Delhi squad.
Ferrero will start his side's campaign against Rusedski later on Monday.
Dwelving on his fitness, Ferrro said, "I have my own academy where I live. The kids train there. I am still playing tennis and I am fit."
Each tie will have five matches, beginning with legends singles, followed by mixed doubles, women's singles, men's doubles and concludes with the men's singles rubber.
Each match will be a one-set affair and tie-breaker will be introduced at 5-5 and not at the usual 6-6.
The team that wins the maximum number of games will be declared winner.
In the second match of the day, Hyderabad Aces will host Bangalore Raptors, who boast of seven-time singles Grand Slam champion Venus Williams.
The one match audiences will be keen on watching is the duel between Jankovic and Martina Hingis.
And speaking about the prospect of this mouth-watering contest, the 29-year-old Jankovic said "She (Martina) has not played singles for so long. I played against her many, many years ago. It feels good but we have to reach the final to face each other."
She added: "The format is quite different, exciting and it's fun to play in this part of the world. I have never played something like that. I am looking forward to playing in this kind of competition."
India's top singles player, Somdev said: "It's going to be a great opportunity for the juniors playing alongside some of the greats. Indian tennis is very lucky."
