The Chennai Smashers have burst onto the tennis scene with their entry into TPL Season 6, aiming to blend international expertise and local passion. Co-owned by Bollywood icon Sonali Bendre alongside business leaders Vipul Bansal and Dharmender Goel, the team kicked off its campaign with bold ambitions and an impressive roster.
Spotlight: Conny Perrin
Conny Perrin, a Swiss tennis professional, is renowned for her technical precision and relentless court presence. With a career spanning numerous ITF singles and doubles titles, along with a WTA Challenger doubles crown, Perrin brings a wealth of international experience to the Smashers. Her participation adds a new layer of quality to the squad, raising both expectations and excitement for fans of the Chennai-based team.
Conny Perrin’s Career Highlights:
- Swiss international, turned pro in 2008
- 13 ITF singles titles and 28 ITF doubles titles
- WTA Challenger doubles champion (2023 Copa LP Chile)
- Career-high WTA singles ranking: No.134
- Known for her intensity, tactical strength, and adaptability on all surfaces.
TPL Season 6: Chennai Smashers Team & Performance
With the squad featuring Perrin, France’s Hugo Gaston, and Indian talent Rithvik Choudary Bollipalli, the Smashers signaled their intent from the outset. Under the mentorship of former national champion Narendranath, the team blended discipline, precision, and entertainment to captivate tennis fans across the country.
Notable Results
- Debut Victory: In their opening TPL match, Chennai Smashers edged past reigning champions Bengaluru SG Pipers, with Perrin winning her women’s singles match 13-12 and later securing a strong mixed doubles performance.
- Consistent Brilliance: Throughout the season, Perrin’s consistency and fighting spirit were pivotal. She notched up dominant singles victories, including a standout win against Ekaterina Kazionova (16-9), cementing her reputation for delivering under pressure.
- Team Synergy: The collaboration between Perrin, Gaston, and Bollipalli produced high-octane matches, demonstrating depth and a “never give up” ethos that quickly won over new fans.
Final Standings
Despite narrowly missing a semi-final berth, the Smashers concluded their debut with an impressive 238 points. The team’s journey was marked by close encounters and a growth mindset, setting the foundation for a promising future in TPL.
The Ownership and Vision
Bollywood’s Sonali Bendre joined as co-owner, drawing attention with her passion for tennis:
“My love for tennis deepened with my son’s passion for the game. Chennai has a special place in my heart. I’m thrilled to bring that spirit to the Smashers and build a dedicated community of fans” Sonali Bendre.
Co-owner Vipul Bansal emphasized the ambition:
“Tennis is poised to be the next big sport in India with the relentless dedication of the team and Sonali.”
Why Conny Perrin & Chennai Smashers Matter
- Raising the Bar: Perrin’s arrival injects proven Grand Slam experience and Swiss precision into Indian team tennis.
- Mentoring Future Champions: Her professionalism sets a standard for younger Indian talent, inspiring discipline and ambition.
- Building a Legacy: The Smashers’ blend of international and homegrown stars, strong backing, and vibrant fan support is igniting a new tennis movement in Chennai and beyond.
What’s Next?
With Conny Perrin as the spearhead, the Chennai Smashers are set to become a lasting and influential presence in the Tennis Premier League, further strengthening India’s tennis scene with every match.