Federer replaces Nadal in International Premier Tennis League

MANILA, Philippines (UPDATED) – Injured Spanish tennis superstar Rafael Nadal is pulling out and will be replaced by Swiss ace Roger Federer in the roster of the Indian Aces of the inaugural International Premier Tennis League kicking off in Manila from November 28 to 30 at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

The IPTL announced on its Twitter account on Monday,  September 22, the withdrawal of Nadal, who earlier backed out of the recent US Open due to a nagging injury to his right wrist. 

We regret to announce that due to health reasons, #RafaelNadal will not be playing in the #IPTL. We’re rooting for you, #GetWellSoonRafa!

— IPTL (@iptl) September 22, 2014

The league founded by Indian tennis icon Mahesh Bhupati, however, also tweeted that that Federer, the all-time men’s Grand Slam singles champion with 17 titles, would be Nadal’s replacement.

Make way for the newest #IndianAce! Watch @rogerfederer create history at #IPTL. #BreakTheCode #MicromaxIndianAces pic.twitter.com/hIyxk7C3YJ

— IPTL (@iptl) September 22, 2014

Currently ranked third in the Association of Tennis Professionals world rankings, Federer reached the semifinals of the US Open where he was upset by Croatian Martin Cilic, who eventually captured the trophy by beating Japan’s Nei  Kishikori.

Once ranked No. 1 for a 237 consecutive weeks from 2004 to 2008, the Swiss’ inclusion was trumpeted in a Youtube video.

Federer will be joining the squad also composed of multi-titled US champion Pete Sampras, Ana Ivanovic and hometown bets Sania Mirza and Rohan Bopanna.

Headlining the Manila Mavericks are Scottish Olympic and Wimbledon champion Andy Murray and tennis heartthrob Maria Sharapova, who will be teamed up with Victoria Azarenka, Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, Carlos Moya, Daniel Nestor and Fil-Am doubles specialist Treat Huey.

Newly-crowned US Open women’s titlist Serena Williams banners the Singapore Lions also composed of compatriot Andre Agassi, Lleyton Hewitt, Nick Kyrgios, Tomas Berdych and Daniela Hantuchova.

The fourth squad dubbed the UAE Royals  is led by Serbia’s Novak Djokovic, currently the world No. 1, and is supported by Richard Gasquet, Nenad Zimonjic, Janko Tipsarevic, Goran Ivanesevic, Malek Jazin, Caroline Wozniacki and Eugenie Bouchard.  

The International Premier Tennis League will run from Nov. 28 to Dec. 13 and will also have stops in Singapore, Mumbai, India; and Dubai, the United Arab Emirates. – Rappler.com

(In an earlier version of the story, we incorrectly mentioned Federer as Swedish. He is Swiss. Our apologies for the error.)