Tennis royalty joins Bollywood: Djokovic, Federer, and Nadal's star-studded India visit
Djokovic, Federer, and Nadal create Tennis frenzy in India, join Bollywood stars for unforgettable Meet
Back in December 2014, tennis enthusiasts in Delhi witnessed a star-studded event organized by Indian tennis player Mahesh Bhupathi - the International Premier Tennis League (IPTL). The headline act featured none other than Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer, and Rafael Nadal.
The IPTL, with its short-lived yet buzzing format, aimed to broaden tennis's appeal by featuring one-set matches. At that time, Federer held the title of the game's most successful and popular player, drawing significant attention. However, Djokovic, the world No. 1, was a proven great, having established dominance over his rivals outside of clay courts.
Prime-time clash and Djokovic's skill display
The highlight of the Delhi edition was a prime-time clash between Djokovic, representing UAE Royals, and Federer, playing for Indian Aces. Despite Federer winning the match 6-5, Djokovic showcased his deceptive backhand and remarkable speed, leaving a lasting impression on spectators.
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Recently, Djokovic fondly remembered his only trip to India during an interview with Sania Mirza. Expressing his love for the Indian people, he mentioned his desire to return and conduct coaching programs for children, particularly focusing on early childhood development.
IPTL's mix of sport and celebrities
The IPTL was not just about tennis; it was a three-day extravaganza featuring world-class sports, inevitable chaos, and a parade of celebrities. Icons like Amitabh Bachchan, Sunil Gavaskar, Aamir Khan, Akshay Kumar, and Deepika Padukone graced the event alongside tennis legends Pete Sampras, Boris Becker, Goran Ivanisevic, and Pat Rafter.
Expressing his wish to explore more of the beautiful country, Djokovic looks forward to returning to India for coaching programs, emphasizing his passion for early childhood development. He appreciates the warmth and kindness shown by Indian people during his brief visit.