MANILA, Philippines - The International Premier Tennis League (IPTL) has hooked up with TV5, the country’s No. 1 sports channel, and has promised to bring the action live to millions of viewers this December.
“It’s world-class tennis coupled with world-class TV coverage,” said TV5 president and CEO Emmanuel Lorenzana during yesterday’s contract signing at The Fort Strip.
Mahesh Bhupathi, IPTL founder and retired Grand Slam champion in doubles, graced the affair together with Sports5 head Chot Reyes.
It’s a brand-new partnership between the IPTL, which is played under an innovative and fast-paced format, and TV5.
The event brings together past, present and future tennis stars.
Lorenzana, a former varsity tennis player for La Salle, described the partnership with ITPL as “a great matchup.”
It’s a one-year deal, at least for now, between the ITPL and TV5.
“Lets’ take it year by year and see. But TV5 is known as a sports channel. We need more events like this to promote tennis here,” said Lorenzana.
Last year’s inaugural IPTL season was a huge success, including the Manila leg as fans came to see Maria Sharapova, Serena Williams and Andy Murray live in action at the MOA Arena.
This year’s Manila leg promises to be even better with the highly-anticipated arrival and Philippine debut of clay-court king Rafael Nadal of Spain.
“This will be very, very exciting not only for tennis fans but sports fans in general. It’s for anybody who wants to enjoy a good show,” said Lorenzana.
Reyes said the matches will be aired live on TV5 and online via Sports5.ph.
“We’re very excited with this coverage,” said the coaching guru.
The 2015 IPTL kicks off on Dec. 2 with the Japan leg, followed by stops in Manila, India, Dubai and Singapore all the way to Dec. 20.
Williams will play all three nights in Manila to lead the campaign of the Philippine Mavericks, out to dislodge the UAE Royals from the IPTL throne.
Also playing for the Mavericks are Fil-American Treat Huey, Mark Philippoussis, Richard Gasquet, Jarmila Gajdosova, Borna Coric, Sabine Lisicki and Milos Raonic.
The Mavericks team is co-owned by Hans Sy of the SM Group, Jean Henry Lhuillier, Haresh Hiranand, Bala Swaminathan and Philstar.com CEO Kevin Belmonte.
The arrival of Nadal, who will play for the Indian Aces, only guarantees a grand reception from the fans.
“From what I hear, Nadal and Serena have been creating so much buzz. We’re expecting a full-house. Last year we already exceeded expectations,” said Bhupathi.
The Indian tennis great, winner of doubles titles in the French Open, US Open and Wimbledon, said the partnership with TV5 was the best that was offered.