CTL promises an exciting brand of tennis

A new brand of tennis will make its debut in the country as international stars along with India's top players will come together to compete in the inaugural Champions Tennis League, where matches will be a one-set affair in an exciting format.

The Vijay Amritraj conceptualised league will kick off with a double-header on Monday.

Delhi Dreams, led by former world No 1 Jelena Jankovic and South African Kevin Anderson will clash against Punjab Marshalls, who lost David Ferrer but will have charismatic Leander Paes, at the DLTA complex.

In the the second match of the day, Hyderabad Aces will host Bangalore Raptors, who boast of seven-time singles Grand Slam champion Venus Williams.

India primarily hosts ITF Futures events and ATP Challengers, that does not even feature a top-100 player. So CTL gives Indian fans, a great opportunity to witness some of the top ranked players in bracket of 10-25, in action.

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. In the end, the team that wins the maximum number of games will be declared winner.

Top tennis officials were sceptical about the level of tennis on display in these leagues but organizers and the players such as Jankovic have outrightly rejected that view.

Current men's stars such as world number 14 Feliciano Lopez, world number 16 Kevin Anderson and from among women multiple Grand Slam champion Venus, world number 19 Alize Cornet will be there in action.