Successful IPTL debut a testament to Filipinos’ love of tennis

MANILA, Philippines – The positive reception to the first ever edition of the International Premier Tennis League (IPTL) proves the growing popularity of the sport in the country.

The Philippines itself was represented in the three-day tournanament by international tennis stars Maria Sharapova, Andy Murray, Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, Kirsten Flipkens, Mark Philippousis, Carlos Moya and Daniel Nestor. Collectively known as the Manila Mavericks, the star-studded roster, interestingly, was led by Filipino Treat Huey.

For three intense days at the Mall of Asia Arena, the Mavericks engaged in exciting match-ups with counterpart stars of the Indian Aces, Singapore Slammers and UAE Royals. And while the local favorites came up short, they earned the adulation of the appreciative crowd, who marveled at Sharapova’s thrilling returns, Murray’s grit and the rest of the stars’ tennis mettle.

A jam-packed Mall of Asia Arena greeted the show's performers, a testament to the drawing power of the historic event that gathered the sport’s biggest stars.

Savoring the success of the inaugural tournament are Mavericks owners Hans Sy, Jean Henri Lhuillier, Kevin Belmonte, Haresh Hiranand and foreign partner Bala Swaminathan. In a statement, the group underscored the event’s impact in the Philippine tennis scene.

“After 25 years, we are able to bring in marquee players and put the Philippines in the map as a tennis-loving nation. We’re expecting it to boost tourism in the coming years,” the statement read.

 “We would like to show our gratitude to IPTL organizer Mahesh Bhupati for making this event possible,” it added.

“We’re looking forward to the next staging of the IPTL in the country next year.”